Study of Alpha-Blockers to Help Place Ureteral Access Sheaths During Flexible Ureteroscopy for Kidney Stones

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying whether taking alpha-blockers before flexible ureterorenolithotripsy helps in the easier placement of a ureteral access sheath during kidney stone surgery. This phase 4 randomized trial involves adults diagnosed with nephrolithiasis who need flexible ureteroscopy. The goal is to see if alpha-blockers improve surgical success and reduce the need for additional procedures while monitoring safety outcomes like ureteral injuries. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will take an oral alpha-blocker such as tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily for seven days before surgery to relax the ureteral muscles and assist sheath insertion. The other group will undergo the same surgery without preoperative alpha-blockers. Both groups will follow the same surgical protocols. During the study, participants will have their surgery and be assessed for successful ureteral sheath placement during the procedure. Researchers will also track any ureteral injuries and the need for further surgical interventions. The primary measure is the rate of successful sheath insertion without needing a second procedure. The study will include visits and monitoring before, during, and after the surgery, with total participation lasting through the surgical and immediate perioperative period.

Alpha-Blockers Prior to Ureteral Access Sheath Placement in Flexible Ureteroscopy: A Randomized Prospective Study