Effect of Preoperative Silodosin on Feasibility of Ureteral Access Sheath Insertion

The ureteral access sheath (UAS) is an ancillary device widely used by urologists to facilitate fast, repeatable, and safe access to ureters and collecting systems; improve visibility; reduce the risk of infection by reducing intrarenal pressure; and protect ureters and scopes when extracting multiple stones during surgery.

Insertion of ureteric access sheath may be difficult due to tight ureter, so sometimes preoperative stenting might be needed. Silodosin is an α1A adrenoceptor with high affinity and selectivity for the ureteric muscle, which may reduce ureteral spasm.

Oral a1-blockers can reduce intraureteral pressure, and may reduce maximal ureteral access sheath insertion force.¹ Preoperative silodosin protects against significant ureteral injury related to UAS insertion during fURS and decreases postoperative pain level. Silodosin premedication might be an effective and safe technique to replace prestenting.²