Effectiveness of medical expulsive therapy with the ɲ-adrenergic blocker tamsulosin for distal ureterolithiasis in adults attended in an emergency department in Chile.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of medical expulsive therapy with tamsulosin.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Randomized double-blind controlled trial in an emergency department. We enrolled adults with uncomplicated distal ureterolithiasis and no other complaint. Patients were randomized to take either tamsulosin (0.4 mg/d) plus a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or placebo plus the NSAID for 21 days.

RESULTS

The stone expulsion rate did not differ statistically between the 2 groups (P=.29). Time until expulsion was also similar (P=.91).

CONCLUSION

Medical expulsive therapy with tamsulosin does not improve the rate of distal ureteral stone expulsion.