Publication:

Effect of tamsulosin on ureteric stent related morbidity: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study

Background Post ureteral stenting, symptoms occurs of lower urinary tract which impact quality of life in around 80% of patients, urgency, frequency, dysuria, suprapubic pain, hematuria. α1-Adrenoceptors are found in highest density in the distal ureter. α1-Adrenoceptor antagonists dilates the lumen of the ureter and reduces the spasms by decreasing the peristaltic frequency and inhibiting basal tone of the ureter, leading to improvement in stent-related symptoms. This study was conducted to study effect of tamsulosin, a selective α1A- and α1D-adrenoceptor antagonist in relieving ureteric stent related symptomsMethods: A randomized double blinded placebo-controlled study conducted from February 2019 to August 2020 in Department of Surgery SGRD University, Amritsar. We enrolled 60 patients with each group of 30 patients (Group A placebo and Group B Tamsilosin 0.4 mg). IPSS (irritative and obstructive), quality of life (QoL) and visual analog scale VAS) pain score were calculated based on post-operative day one versus at Stent removal day (Post-operative day 21) at 3 weeks observations. analysis was done using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Student ‘t’test (unpaired) and Chi-square test.

Results IPSS, QoL and VAS showed improvement with significant relieve of symptoms in patients on tamsulosin compared to placebo at time of stent removal.

Conclusions The study concluded that administration of tamsulosin a selective α1-blocker is useful in decreasing lower urinary tract symptoms in patients undergoing ureteral stenting.