Tadalafil vs Tamsulosin for Upper Urinary Tract Calculi: A Randomized Trial

What is it about?

The study compares the efficiency of low-dose tadalafil and tamsulosin as adjuncts to extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for solitary upper urinary tract calculi. The results show that there is no difference in the primary outcome, namely, calculus expulsion rate, between the two groups. Similarly, there is no difference in the secondary outcome, number of days to expulsion, between the two groups. The study also finds that low-dose tadalafil is less tolerated than tamsulosin.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it investigates the efficacy of low-dose tadalafil compared to tamsulosin as an adjunct to extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) for the treatment of upper urinary tract calculi. By comparing these two drugs, clinicians can determine which one is more effective in facilitating the expulsion of calculi and thus optimize patient care. Key Takeaways: 1. The study found no significant difference in the primary outcome, calculus expulsion rate, between low-dose tadalafil and tamsulosin. 2. The secondary outcome, number of days to expulsion, also showed no significant difference between the two groups. 3. The study noted that low-dose tadalafil was less tolerated by patients, with a higher rate of adverse drug reactions and discontinuation. 4. The study suggests that the combination of low-dose tadalafil and tamsulosin may be more effective in achieving clearance of calculi with SWL, but further research is needed to confirm this.