Effectiveness of doxazosin in the management of lower ureteral stones in male and female patients.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of doxazosin on the rate of spontaneous passage of distal ureteral stones in female patients.

METHODS

A total of 80 patients with stones sized 10 mm or smaller, located in the distal part of the ureter, were included. They were divided into two groups, according to the gender. Patients were followed-up until passage of the stone or for a maximum of 3 weeks. The number of pain episodes, stone expulsion rate and time, and possible side effects of medications were recorded and compared in both groups.

RESULTS

All patients completed the study. No statistically significant difference was observed regarding patient age, stone size, and stone location between the groups (P > 0.05). Stone expulsion occurred in 29 patients (72.5%) in group 1 and in 28 patients (70%) in group 2 (P = 0.35). Mean time to expulsion was 6.5 days (range 3-15 days) in the male arm and 7.5 days (range 4-17 days) in the female arm (P = 0.97). There were no differences between the groups in the number of colic episodes and analgesic use.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical treatment of distal ureteral stones with doxazosin has similar stone passage rate, expulsion time, and safety in women compared with men.