Semirigid ureteroscopy and tamsulosin therapy as dilatation methods before flexible ureteroscopy: evaluation and benefits.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of semirigid ureteroscopy and tamsulosin therapy as dilatation methods before flexible ureteroscopy advancement to the renal collecting system. Patients and methods: This prospective study included patients with renal stones less than 2 cm who underwent retrograde flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy. The patients were randomized into two groups: group A patients were given a placebo for 1 week before flexible ureteroscopy, and group B patients were administered 0.4 mg of tamsulosin once daily for 1 week before surgery and underwent active dilatation using semirigid ureteroscopy before flexible ureteroscopy. The ability of the flexible ureteroscope to reach the collecting system in both groups during the same operative session was assessed. Operative outcomes and complications were collected and analyzed in both groups. Results: A total of 170 patients were included in our study, with each group comprising 85 patients. In group B, the flexible ureteroscope successfully accessed the kidney in 61 patients, while in group A, the flexible ureteroscope was successful only in 28 cases (71.4% versus 32.9%). In group A, 33 (38.8%) patients had lower urinary tract symptoms compared to 17 (20.2%) patients in group B (P = 0.013). Conclusion: Using tamsulosin therapy and semirigid ureteroscopy as dilatation methods before flexible ureteroscopy increased the success of primary flexible ureteroscopy advancement to renal collecting system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]