[Role of tamsulosin in improving double-J ureteric stent-related symptoms. A prospective multi-center, randomized study].

PURPOSE: We evaluated the use of tamsulosine versus placebo for management of ureteral stent discomfort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective and randomized study was realized in the Department of Urology of three university hospital. The participation was proposed at all patient having indication to receive an ureteral stent except for cancer. The evaluation of the tolerance used two validate questionnaires: Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) and IPSS completed by each patient the day of the insertion, next day, one week later and the day before and after the removal. The main assessment criterion was the question "global quality of life" one week after the stent insertion.

RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients were randomized between June, 2010 and October, 2012. Despite phone reminders only 38 (48.1%) were complete questionnaires. Out of 39, 18 patients in the tamsulosine group and out of 40, 20 in the phloroglucinol group. The majority of the patients (92%) were included for stone disease. There is not significant difference between the 2 groups using the USSQ and IPSS at day+1, day+7, pre-ablation and day+1 ablation. A significant improvement of the scores was noted to day+1 by the ablation of the JJ in 2 groups.

CONCLUSION: Our study did not show superiority of tamsulosine versus placebo in the improvement of the tolerance of ureteral stent.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.