Which statement about steroids in distal ureteral stone management is correct?

Which statement about steroids in distal ureteral stone management is correct?

• A. Steroids increase ureteral edema
• B. Steroids reduce ureteral edema
• C. Steroids have no effect on ureteral edema
• D. Steroids are contraindicated in ureteral edema

Answer: (B)

Steroids help by reducing inflammation and edema around a distal ureteral stone, which makes the ureter wider and easier for the stone to pass. When a stone is lodged in the distal ureter, the surrounding mucosa swells, narrowing the lumen and worsening obstruction and pain. Corticosteroids decrease inflammatory mediators and vascular permeability, so the edema subsides, the passage becomes easier, and symptoms improve. This is why the correct statement is that steroids reduce ureteral edema. They do not increase edema, have no effect, or become contraindicated in this setting; rather, their anti-inflammatory action is the reason they can aid in medical expulsive therapy alongside other agents like alpha-blockers.

Steroids help by reducing inflammation and edema around a distal ureteral stone, which makes the ureter wider and easier for the stone to pass. When a stone is lodged in the distal ureter, the surrounding mucosa swells, narrowing the lumen and worsening obstruction and pain. Corticosteroids decrease inflammatory mediators and vascular permeability, so the edema subsides, the passage becomes easier, and symptoms improve. This is why the correct statement is that steroids reduce ureteral edema. They do not increase edema, have no effect, or become contraindicated in this setting; rather, their anti-inflammatory action is the reason they can aid in medical expulsive therapy alongside other agents like alpha-blockers.