Efficacy of Intra-Ureteric Aminophylline Installation After Failed Stone Accessibility by Semi-rigid Ureteroscopy. Prospective Trial

Urolithiasis is a significantly common disease globally, despite the notable difference in the rate of occurrence based on various factors like gender, climate, diet, and other risk factors. There has been a yearly increase in the prevalence of stone occurrence in people above the age of 30 for all genders. (1).

The EAU recommends URS as the first-line treatment for stones either in the proximal or distal ureter measuring >10 mm; for <10 mm, either URS or SWL can be selected for first-line management. URS is associated with a higher SFR and a better clinical outcome when compared to SWL (1,6.7.8) .

During ureteroscopy, the use of guide wire and ureteroscope itself in the procedures can lead to complications like ureteral spasm. Agents like lidocaine gel, intravenous buscopan and aminophylline can be used to relieve spasm and increase the success of treatment. Aminophylline is used for the treatment of acute phase of renal colic. (2) .

Aminophylline, a methyl xanthine and theophylline derivative, relaxes smooth muscle by increasing the concentration of intracellular 3",5"-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and cyclic guanosine mono- phosphate (cGMP) and activating protein kinase A. In addition, aminophylline alleviates inflammation by decreasing the production of leukotrienes and TNFα. (3) .

Aminophylline is a drug having combination of theophylline and ethylenediamine in a ratio of 2:1. Theophylline helps in peristalsis of ureter and verapamil causes an acute dilation of proximal ureter. The capability to alter the diameter of ureter and the peristaltic activity helps in ureteroscopy. Aminophylline is a cheap, safe, with minimum side effects. (3) .