Comparative Study between Tadalafil versus Tamsulosin versus Halphabarol with Terpenes Mixture as a Medical Expulsive Therapy for Lower Ureteric Stones

Abstract Background urolithiasis is a health problem of worldwide importance. Urolithiasis is the third most common urological disease affecting the urinary tract after urinary tract infections and prostatic diseases. Ureteral stones account for 20% of urolithiasis, and 70% of ureteral stones are located in the lower third of the ureter. Ureteric stones have great bearing on the health as well as quality of life of the patient. Aim of the Study to compare the efficacy of tadalafil (a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor), tamsulosin (an alpha-1blocker) and halphabarol (Proximol) with terpenes mixture (Rowatinex) as a medical expulsive therapy for lower ureteric stones. Patients and Methods this was a prospective randomized comparative study conducted on 60 patients between the ages of 20 and 40 years and complaining of unilateral single lower ureteric stone less than or equal to 8 mm presented through the outpatient clinics of Urology in Ain Shams University Hospitals and Damanhour Medical National Institute over a period of 10 months (from November 2017 to August 2018). The patients were randomly divided into 3 equal groups: Group A (20 patients were treated by tadalafil 5 mg once daily), Group B (20 patients were treated by tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily) and Group C (20 patients were treated by Proximol with Rowatinex three times daily). Therapy was given for a maximum of 3 weeks. The patients were followed-up until stone passage or the end of the study period. Results the results of this study indicate that the stone expulsion rate was significantly higher in tadalafil group and tamsulosin group than Proximol with Rowatinex group (75% vs. 75% vs. 40%, P value = 0.030). Also, the mean stone expulsion time was significantly shorter in tadalafil group and tamsulosin group than Proximol with Rowatinex group (10.20 ± 3.91 days vs. 10.80 ± 3.64 days vs. 14.25 ± 3.28 days, P value = 0.046). The number of patients who experienced renal colic episodes, the number of colic episodes and the number of injectable analgesic uses were significantly lower in tadalafil group and tamsulosin group than Proximol with Rowatinex group (P value < 0.05). The number of follow up ureteroscopic procedures was significantly lower in tadalafil group and tamsulosin group than Proximol with Rowatinex group (25% vs. 25% vs. 60%, P value = 0.030). Also, the drugs are safe with mild few side effects. Conclusion PDE5 inhibitors (tadalafil) are equally efficacious to alpha-1 adrenergic antagonists (tamsulosin) in expulsion of lower ureteric stones less than or equal to 8 mm without any serious side effects. Comparing to Proximol with Rowatinex, both tadalafil and tamsulosin increase significantly the stone expulsion rate, decrease significantly the stone expulsion time and provide significant control of renal colicky pain, significantly less analgesic requirements and significantly lower follow up ureteroscopic procedures.