Management of Ureteral Stones with Medical Expulsive Therapy
Author Information
Author(s): Picozzi Stefano C M, Marenghi Carlo, Casellato Stefano, Ricci Cristian, Gaeta Maddalena, Carmignani Luca
Primary Institution: Department of Urology, Italy
Hypothesis
What is the role of medical expulsive therapy (MET) in the treatment of obstructing ureteral calculi?
Conclusion
Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is effective in facilitating the expulsion of ureteral stones but is underutilized in practice.
Supporting Evidence
- MET significantly reduces the mean expulsion time of ureteral stones.
- Tamsulosin and nifedipine improve stone expulsion rates compared to standard therapy.
- Patients receiving MET require less analgesic therapy and hospitalization.
Takeaway
Doctors can help patients pass kidney stones faster and with less pain using special medications, but many don't use these treatments.
Methodology
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies evaluating the effectiveness of MET in treating obstructing ureteral calculi.
Potential Biases
Potential publication bias indicated by funnel plot asymmetry.
Limitations
The underuse of MET in clinical practice despite its benefits.
Participant Demographics
Participants included in the studies were from various countries, with a total of 1283 individuals across 21 studies.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
(3.02;4.81)
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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