A randomized controlled trial comparing alpha-blocker (tamsulosin) and a phyto-complex (Solidago virga-aurea, Phyllantus niruri, Epilobium angustifolium, Peumus boldus and Ononis spinosa) in the treatment of ureteral stent-related symptoms.
Giacomo Gallo, Antonio Cicione, Antonio Nacchia et al.
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In 30 seconds
This open-label randomized controlled trial compared tamsulosin 0.4 mg daily with a five-extract phyto-complex in 60 patients with double-J ureteral stents. Both groups improved from baseline across Ureteral Symptom Score Questionnaire domains. The only statistically significant between-group difference was in urinary symptoms, favoring tamsulosin at 7 days (-6.1 ± 5.5 vs -4.6 ± 5.1) and 21 days (-5.2 ± 6.7 vs -4.4 ± 5.9). Differences in pain, general health, work quality, sexual score, and additional problems were not statistically significant.
Key findings
- Urinary symptom scores improved more with tamsulosin at 7 days (-6.1 ± 5.5 vs -4.6 ± 5.1) and 21 days (-5.2 ± 6.7 vs -4.4 ± 5.9).
- No statistically significant between-group differences were found for pain, general health, quality of work, sexual score, or additional problems (p value >0.05).
- Both treatments improved from baseline in each measured USSQ parameter.
Why it matters
Stent-related symptoms can affect several aspects of patients’ wellbeing. This trial suggests that tamsulosin may provide greater relief of urinary symptoms than the tested phyto-complex, while measured differences in other symptom domains were not significant. The findings help characterize the comparative symptom outcomes of these options but do not establish equivalence across all outcomes.
What to keep in mind
The trial was open label and included 60 patients; follow-up assessments were limited to 21 days, when the stents were removed.