The use of alpha blocker in ureteroscopic lithotripsy for lower ureteral calculi without ureteral stent

[Objective] To evaluate clinical efficacy of alpha blocker for uncomplicated ureteroscopic lithotripsy in treating lower ureteral stones without ureteral stent.[Method] From January 2007 to August 2009,58 patients who underwent uncomplicated ureteroscopic intracorporeal lithotripsy by the holmium laser were analyzed retrospectively.The patients divided into two groups,group A of 30 patients.With double pigtail stent indwelled and group B,28 patients without stent.All cases of group B were with use of alpha blocker for 1 week.[Results] Mean operative time of group A was significantly longer than that of the group B.The incidences of hematuria,flank/abdominal pain,frequency/urgency were not statistically different among the two groups.The Stone-free rate was 100% in each group.[Conclusions] Alpha blocker in place of ureteral stent is a safe and less traumatic method for ureteroscopic lithotripsy in treating uncomplicated lower ureteral stones.