Role of alpha blockers in the management of lower ureteric stones

ABSTRACT

To study the role of Alpha-blockers in the management of patients with lower ureteric stones. Single blind experimental study. Department of Urology Nishtar Hospital and Medical College, Multan from 1st January 2002 to 30 December 2003. Eighty patients of lower ureteric stones were included in the study. They patients were divided into two equal groups. Basic data of all patients was collected including history, examination, age, sex, stone size, location, number and duration of symptoms. In group I forty patients [Experimental group], Doxazocin 4mg was given OD for four weeks, along with routine analgesics while the group II were performed weekly for eight weeks. The results were collected regarding stone passage rate, time, analgesic use, hospitalization and endoscopical intervention if needed. Statistical analysis was performed. In all paitents the mean size of stones was 5.68mm [range 5-8mm], average number one [range 1-3] and located in the lower five centimeters of ureter. In experimental group, 36 patients [90%] passed their stones in average three weeks; rest of the four patients [10%] needed ureterorenoscopy. While in Control group, only eighteen patients [45%] passed their stones spontaneously in average five weeks, eighteen patients [45%] needed ureterorenoscopy and in four patients [10%] ureterolithotomy was done. Alpha-blockers when, used as a spasmolytic drug for treatment of lower ureteric stones of size less than one centimeter, increased the stone expulsion rate and decreased expulsion time. It also decreased the need for hospitalization and endoscopic intervention, and provided particularly good control of colic pain