Rate of Spontaneous Stone Passage as Assessed Using Urinary Ultrasonography and Direct Urinary System Radiography

This prospective randomized controlled study was performed between February 2018 and March 2020 after obtaining ethics committee approval.A total of 128 men with distal ureteral stones were randomly divided into 3 groups. All patients received standard medical therapy. Patients in group 1 (n=43) were instructed to masturbate at least 3-4 times a week, patients in group 2 (n=41) received tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day, and patients in group 3 (controls, n=44) received standard medical therapy alone. Rates of expulsion, need for analgesic, and ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy were compared between the groups.

Inclusion criteria

• age ≥18 years
• presenting with renal colic and inguinal or lumbar pain
• being diagnosed as having distal ureteral stones ≥5 mm and <10 mm in size

Exclusion criteria

• age <18 years,
• stones <5 mm or ≥10 mm in size,
• intermediate (stones on the ureter-iliac artery cross)
• proximal ureteral stones, multiple ureteral stones,
• presence of urinary infection,
• renal insufficiency,
• high creatinine level,
• severe hydroureteronephrosis,
• history of open or endoscopic ureteral surgery,
• vesicoureteral reflux,
• neurogenic bladder,
• erectile dysfunction,
• inability or refusal to masturbate for any reason (such as religious beliefs)