The evaluation of the effectiveness of Gilaburu (Viburnum opulus L.) extract in the medical expulsive treatment of distal ureteral stones

Özet

Objective: Medical expulsive therapy is an important non-invasive treatment modality that facilitates thepassage of ureteral stones. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of Gilaburu (Viburnumopulus) extract in the treatment of distal ureteral stones <10 mm.Material and methods: Data of 103 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into twogroups: those given V. opulus 1000 mg peroral 3×2 and diclofenac 50 mg peroral on-demand (n=53) andthose given only diclofenac sodium 50 mg peroral on-demand (n=50). Comparisons of stone expulsion ratesand the elapsed time until the expulsion between the groups were determined as primary outcome measures.The comparison of the need for additional treatment [ureteroscopy (URS) or extracorporeal shock wavelithotripsy (ESWL)], the need for emergency admission, analgesic requirement, and the complication ratesin additional treatment were determined as secondary outcome measures.Results: The mean age of the patients was 45.8±14.5 years. The rate of stone expulsion was significantlyhigher (82% vs. 66%, p=0.026), and elapsed time to stone expulsion was significantly shorter (9±1.8 vs.14±2.3 day, p=0.018) in the V. opulus group. The need for additional treatment (URS and ESWL) and analgesic requirement was less in the V. opulus group (9.4% vs. 20%, p=0.038 and 24.5% vs. 44%, p=0.042,respectively).Conclusion: V. opulus is an herbal treatment alternative that facilitates the passage of ureteral stones <10mm. Prospective, randomized studies are needed to support these results.