最終更新日: 2026年5月18日

It is very common for me to care for ureteric stone pain patients who have frequent questions about medical expulsive therapy (MET) for ureteric stones. Here are the answers in Q&A format.

Q: Is it possible to avoid endoscopic stone surgery?

Yes, it is possible — but only if all of the following emergency conditions are absent:

Ureteric stone medical expulsive therapy vs surgery
Medical expulsive therapy may help avoid emergency endoscopic stone removal.

Q: How likely is a ureteric stone to pass spontaneously without medication?

It depends on the size and location of the obstructing stone:

Ureteric stone spontaneous passage rate
Chance of passing a stone depends on size and location in the ureter.

Q: How much does medical expulsive therapy improve the stone passage rate?

According to US and European urological guidelines, medical expulsive therapy (typically alpha blockers such as Tamsulosin) increases the stone passage rate by approximately 29% compared to no medication.

Q: Are there any side effects of medical expulsive therapy?

There is a chance that ureteric pain may temporarily worsen as the medication facilitates stone movement. Approximately 4% of patients experience side effects including dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Medical expulsive therapy side effects dizziness
4% dizziness reported during medical expulsive therapy.

Q: What parameters are used to assess stone passage success?

Several CT-based parameters are assessed: transverse stone diameter, longitudinal stone diameter, ureteral diameter at the stone level, and stone-to-bladder distance. These help the urologist select the right patients for medical expulsive therapy vs. early endoscopic intervention.

CT scan ureteric stone assessment
After carefully assessing the ureteric stone on CT scan, the urologist can select the appropriate patients for medical expulsive therapy.

During the treatment period, I schedule regular follow-up visits with at least an ultrasound to check whether the stone is moving downward. Important: Do not take MET medications on your own without medical supervision, as serious complications can arise without proper monitoring.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ureteric Stone Medical Expulsive Therapy

What is medical expulsive therapy (MET) for ureteric stones?

Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is the use of oral medication — typically alpha blockers such as Tamsulosin — to relax the smooth muscle of the ureter, facilitating spontaneous passage of a ureteric stone without surgery. It is suitable for patients who are clinically stable (no sepsis, no kidney failure, adequate pain control) and who have stones likely to pass based on CT assessment of size and location.

What are the success rates for ureteric stones to pass with MET?

Without medication, the spontaneous passage rate is 68% for stones under 5 mm and 47% for stones 5–10 mm. Lower ureteric stones have a 75% spontaneous passage rate compared to 48% for upper ureteric stones. Adding medical expulsive therapy increases the overall passage rate by approximately 29% based on US and European guidelines, making it a meaningful adjunct to conservative management.

When is medical expulsive therapy not appropriate?

MET should not be used when there are emergency indications for immediate intervention: urosepsis (life-threatening urinary infection), acute kidney failure from bilateral obstruction or single kidney obstruction, or pain that cannot be controlled with medication. In these situations, urgent endoscopic intervention (ureteroscopy or ureteric stenting) takes priority over conservative management.

If you have ureteric stone pain and would like a specialist evaluation, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers specialist consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. 診療をご予約.

**免責事項:** このコンテンツは、バンコク病院本部の認定泌尿器科医であるSoarawee Weerasopone博士によって作成およびレビューされました。教育目的のみのものであり、医学的アドバイスを構成するものではありません。いかなる医療処置を開始する前にも、必ず資格のある医療専門家にご相談ください。.

医学的に記述・監修: ソアラウィー・ウィーラソポーン医師(ポム医師) — バンコク病院本社 泌尿器科専門医。 国際フェロー:ベイラー医科大学(米国)、順天堂大学(日本)、長庚紀念医院(台湾)。.

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Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone — Urologist Bangkokをもっと見る

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