Lower Ureteric Stones Expulsion; Comparison of Tamsulosin Versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (Eswl)

Abstract

ABSTRACT… Objectives: To compare Tamsulosin versus ESWL for lower ureteric stones expulsion. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient Department of Urology at Services Hospital, Lahore. Period: January 2015 to December 2015. Material & Methods: Total 50 patients were enrolled in study. Patients were divided into 2 groups. In group A, 25 patients received daily oral treatment of 0.4mg Tamsulosin for 28 days, and in group B, 25 patients were treated with ESWL. A stone-free condition, was defined as the complete absence of any stone based on plain abdominal X-rays observed and during followup visits at the time of treatment of stone was noted. Results: The mean age of the patients were recorded as 33.20±9.23 years. There were 40(80%) males and 10(20%) females with male to female ratio of 4:1. Out of 50 patients, 16(32%) presented with hematuria, 3(6%) had fever while 31(62%) appeared with no complication status. Out of 50 patients, 21(42%) presented with expulsion time 08-14 days in which 14(28%) were from tamsulosin group and 07(14%) were from ESWL group, similarly 19(38%) patients appeared with expulsion time of 15-28 days in which 10(20%) were from tamsulosin group and 09(18%) were from ESWL group. Statistically there is insignificant difference between the groups i.e. p-value=0.28 Ns. Conclusion: This study suggests that the tamsulosin helps in the earlier clearance of stone fragments and reduces the complications as compared to ESWL. Key words:Renal Stone, Expulsion Time, Stone Clearance, Tamsulosin, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy.