Safety and Efficacy of Tamsulosin and Combination of Tamsulosin with Deflazacort in Patients Diagnosed With Ureteric Calculi

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary tract stones lodged within the ureter, clinically referred to as ureteric calculi, represent a significant and growing burden in urological practice, with global estimates suggesting that roughly 5–10% of individuals are affected at some point in their lives. Approximately one in five urinary stones ultimately becomes lodged in the ureter, and a substantial proportion of these settle in the lower ureteric segment. Although technological advances have expanded minimally invasive surgical options, Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET) continues to be a cornerstone of non-surgical management for distal ureteric stones. Whether a stone passes spontaneously or not depends on a range of interacting variables, including its dimensions, exact location within the ureter, the degree of smooth muscle spasm, surrounding mucosal swelling, ongoing inflammatory changes, and the inherent anatomical characteristics of the individual’s ureter.

Objectives: To compare the safety and efficacy of Tamsulosin alone and Tamsulosin combined with Deflazacort in patients diagnosed with ureteric calculi. The comparison was carried out based on stone expulsion rate and the time required for stone expulsion.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among patients diagnosed with ureteric calculi according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Safety and efficacy parameters were assessed throughout the treatment period.

Results: Both treatment groups showed improvement in stone expulsion rate and reduction in stone expulsion time. However, the combination therapy group receiving Tamsulosin with Deflazacort demonstrated better outcomes compared to Tamsulosin alone. The combination therapy resulted in faster stone passage and greater improvement in expulsion rate.

Conclusion: Tamsulosin is effective in promoting the expulsion of ureteric stones. However, the combination of Tamsulosin with Deflazacort appears to be more effective in increasing stone expulsion rate and reducing expulsion time, thereby reducing the need for invasive procedures.