Abstract
Objective: To determine the effect of Tamsulosin, as adjunctive medical therapy after Extracorporeal Shock Wave
Lithotripsy for renal stones on rate of stone clearance, clearance time, pain intensity during stone clearance,
steinstrasse formation and auxiliary surgical intervention required.
Method: A prospective randomized controlled study was carried out in 120 patients who underwent ESWL for renal
stones of 0.5-2.0cm. They were randomized into study and control group in which Tamsulosin 0.4mg/day was given
in former as an adjunctive medical therapy. All patients underwent ESWL every 2 weeks until complete stone
clearance for 8 weeks. The parameters assessed were stone clearance, clearance time, pain intensity and effect on
steinstrasse.
Results: Of the 120 patients 60 were in each group. The stone clearance rate was greater in study than in control
group, 58(96.7%) vs. 48(80%) respectively, (p

Key words: Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy, Tamsulosin, Medical expulsive Therapy, Steinstrasse, Renal stone.