ORLANDO, FL (UroToday.com) - There were several clinical trials evaluating the role of alpha blockers in patients with Ureteral calculi. Alpha blockers did not seem beneficial for patients with untreated Ureteral calculi. However, alpha blockers did improve stone passage in patients who had ureteroscopic manipulation/laser therapy of the Ureteral stone.
A randomized clinical trial found that the dual probe ultrasound probe was significantly better than the single probe regarding stone breakage but not in stone clearance.
Abstract 42 showed that a second look after PCNL is not necessary if the stone fragments are less than 2mm. However, if the stone fragment is more than 2mm, 71% of patients had a stone related event.
Metallic stents may prove beneficial in patients with malignant Ureteral obstruction. 86% of stents were patent at 7.5 months.
Presented by Bodo Knudsen, MD, at the Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) - May 17 - 22, 2008. Orange County Convention Center - Orlando, Florida, USA.