Abstract

Introduction: The choice of ideal method like MET or URS to treat lower ureteric calculi depends on the type of equipment available, type and size of stone, needs of the patient and skills of the surgeon. The smooth muscle relaxant drug tamsulosin (an #x3B1;-adrenoceptor antagonist) is a possible agent, its use being termed medical expulsive therapy (MET). The disease spectrum in a developing country like ours is different from that of developed countries, mainly because of delay in diagnosis, delay in investigations and lack of awareness that tend to modify outcome in case of ureteral stones or for that matter any disease. More so, advanced interventional facilities in this part of the world are not easily available. Methodology: A prospective study was thus planned to compare the tamsulosin group with a control group in our setup to evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin for lower ureteric calculi expulsion within a few days without the need for hospitalisation, common endoscopic treatment or shock wave lithotripsy.