Alpha-Blockers Prior to Ureteral Access Sheath Placement in Flexible Ureteroscopy: A Randomized Prospective Study

Launched by PEDRO DE FIGUEIREDO BUCHALLA · Aug 9, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether taking a type of medication called alpha-blockers before a kidney stone procedure can help make the surgery easier and more successful. The procedure, called flexible ureteroscopy, involves using a thin tube to reach and remove kidney stones. Doctors want to see if alpha-blockers, taken for seven days before surgery, help a special tool called a ureteral access sheath pass more smoothly into the urinary tract, potentially reducing the need for additional surgeries.

Adults aged 18 and older who have kidney stones and are scheduled for this type of surgery may be eligible to join the study. People who are pregnant, have certain previous surgeries or conditions affecting their urinary tract, or who already use alpha-blockers regularly would not qualify. Participants will be randomly assigned to either take alpha-blockers before their procedure or not, and doctors will track how well the sheath passes, if any injuries occur, and whether extra surgeries are needed. This study aims to improve the safety and success of kidney stone treatments.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥ 18 years
• • Diagnosis of nephrolithiasis with surgical indication for flexible ureterorenolithotripsy
• • Ability to provide written informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Age \< 18 years
• • Pregnancy
• • History of ureteral stricture, prior ureteral reconstructive surgery, and/or abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy
• • Prior ureteroscopy or ipsilateral double-J stent placement within the past 3 months
• • Chronic use of alpha-blockers for benign prostatic hyperplasia or medical expulsive therapy for ureteral stones