Postlithotripsy Agents Improve Stone Outcomes

J Endourol. 2009;23:387-393

Medical expulsive therapy (MET) following shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) results in a significant increase in successful treatment outcomes, according to Canadian researchers. 

Their finding comes from a systematic review and meta-analysis of four trials that included a total of 212 patients who received MET and 206 who received placebo following SWL. MET agents used in the trials were tamsulosin, nifedipine, and Phyllanthus niruri extract.

Trevor D. Schuler, MD, and colleagues at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto found that the use of MET following SWL increased the likelihood of a successful outcome by 17%. For stones larger than 10 mm, post-SWL MET increased that likelihood by 26%.

“Medical expulsive therapy to assist in the passage of stone fragments created by shockwave lithotripsy appears well tolerated and results in significant increases in successful outcomes,” the authors concluded.

From the April 01, 2009 Issue of Renal and Urology News