The effect of an herbal agent “Tutukon®” on the spontaneous passage rates of ureteric stones

Objective:: The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of an herbal agent (Tutukon®) on the spontaneous passage rates of ureteral calculi 5-10 mm. Materials and Methods: 96 patients having a single radio-opaque ureteral stone 5-10 mm were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (n = 51) received Tutukon®, 45 mg/day (three times) in addition to conservative approach and Group 2 patients (n = 45) were followed with classical conservative approach during 4 weeks follow-up. The stone passage rates, stone expulsion time, change in weekly colic episodes and hospital readmission rates for colicky pain were compared. Results: Stone expulsion rates showed statistically significant difference between the two group (66.7 % vs 46.7 %, p = 0.048). Additionally mean time period required for the spontaneous passage of the calculi was meaningfully short in those cases receiving Tutukon® when compared with Group 2 patients undergoing conservative measures only (5.79 ± 2.39 vs 8.82 ± 3.48 days, respectively) (p = 0.001). Similarly, the mean renal colic episodes during follow-up period were significantly diminished in Group 1 patients (66.6 vs 36%, p = 0.001, respectively). Lastly, colic pain attacks were noted to be less in Group 1 and another advantage of“Tutukon®” was the relocation of the stones to a more distal part of ureter (35.2 vs 4 %). Conclusion: Use of Tutukon® in the medical management of ureteral calculi can accelarate the spontaneous passage rates and also relocate them into the lower portion of the ureter. Keywords: herbal agents, medical therapy, spontaneous passage, ureteral stones