Which statement is true about distal ureteral stones less than 10 mm regarding medical therapy?

Which statement is true about distal ureteral stones less than 10 mm regarding medical therapy?

• A. Nifedipine with steroids
• B. Nifedipine with steroids OR Tamsulosin
• C. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
• D. Tamsulosin

Answer: (B)

Distal ureteral stones under 10 mm are often managed with medical expulsive therapy to promote spontaneous passage and reduce pain, avoiding immediate surgery if possible. Tamsulosin, an alpha-1 blocker, works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the distal ureter, which helps the stone move down and pass more easily. Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, can also relax ureteral smooth muscle; when used with steroids, some studies have shown additional benefit in expelling the stone by dampening inflammation and edema in the distal ureter. Because both approaches can facilitate passage of a small distal ureteral stone, the statement that either regimen can be used is correct. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a procedural option, not medical therapy, and while tamsulosin alone is effective, recognizing that either nifedipine with steroids or tamsulosin can be employed best captures the available medical expulsive therapies.

Distal ureteral stones under 10 mm are often managed with medical expulsive therapy to promote spontaneous passage and reduce pain, avoiding immediate surgery if possible. Tamsulosin, an alpha-1 blocker, works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the distal ureter, which helps the stone move down and pass more easily. Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, can also relax ureteral smooth muscle; when used with steroids, some studies have shown additional benefit in expelling the stone by dampening inflammation and edema in the distal ureter. Because both approaches can facilitate passage of a small distal ureteral stone, the statement that either regimen can be used is correct. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a procedural option, not medical therapy, and while tamsulosin alone is effective, recognizing that either nifedipine with steroids or tamsulosin can be employed best captures the available medical expulsive therapies.