Volume 4, Number 2Meeting ReviewsUrology Update from Jackson HoleMichael K BrawerProstate cancerProstatectomyIncontinenceUreteral stonesAnti-androgen monotherapyInfertility treatments, cost/benefitUrinary diversion
Volume 8, Supplement 4Review ArticlesThe Use of Alpha-Blockers for the Treatment of NephrolithiasisAdvances in Alpha-Blocker Therapy in the Management of Urological DisordersOjas D ShahMichael LipkinMedical expulsion therapy has been shown to be a useful adjunct to observation in the management of ureteral stones. Alpha-1-adrenergic receptor antagonists have been studied in this role. Alpha-1 receptors are located in the human ureter, especially the distal ureter. Alpha-blockers have been demonstrated to increase expulsion rates of distal ureteral stones, decrease time to expulsion, and decrease need for analgesia during stone passage. Alphablockers promote stone passage in patients receiving shock wave lithotripsy, and may be able to relieve ureteral stent–related symptoms. In the appropriate clinical scenario, the use of a-blockers is recommended in the conservative management of distal ureteral stones. [Rev Urol. 2006;8(suppl 4):S35-S42]Kidney stonesBlockersUreteral stones