Acupuncture plus standard therapy for passing ureteral stones
Official title: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Acupuncture Application in Addition to Medical Expulsive Therapy for Ureteral Stones
Run by Hitit University · NCT07893431 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether adding acupuncture to standard medical therapy helps people with small ureteral stones pass the stone more quickly.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hitit University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Çorum, Çorum) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 8, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07893431 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–65 with radiologically confirmed unilateral distal or mid-ureteral stones 3–10 mm suitable for conservative treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with stones larger than 10 mm, infection, renal impairment, pregnancy, solitary kidney, or recent stone intervention may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective, non-randomized study will compare two groups of adults with unilateral 3–10 mm distal or mid-ureteral stones: standard medical expulsive therapy (tamsulosin) alone versus acupuncture added to MET. Over 10 days, researchers will track stone passage, time to passage, pain levels, and analgesic use. Stone passage will be confirmed by patient report and imaging as needed, with statistical methods used to compare outcomes between groups. The trial is sponsored by Hitit University and will be conducted at Hitit University in Çorum, Turkey.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding acupuncture to MET could increase the likelihood of spontaneous stone passage and reduce pain and analgesic needs.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in this area have explored MET with adjuncts; non-randomized evidence exists but robust randomized data are limited, making results exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients aged 18-65 years. 2. Patients with a radiologically confirmed unilateral ureteral stone. 3. Stone size between 3 and 10 mm. 4. Patients with a distal or mid-ureteral stone. 5. Patients with a clinical condition suitable for conservative treatment. 6. Patients who provide written informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Stone size \>10 mm or clinical conditions requiring surgical/endoscopic intervention. 2. Fever, urinary tract infection, or signs of sepsis. 3. Severe hydronephrosis or renal dysfunction. 4. Pregnancy. 5. Solitary kidney or bilateral urinary tract obstruction. 6. Previous intervention for the current ureteral stone. 7. Bleeding diathesis or anticoagulant therapy that constitutes a contraindication to acupuncture. 8. Dermatological or systemic diseases that prevent acupuncture application. 9. Patients who are unable to comply with the study protocol or follow-up.
Where it's running
-
Hitit university
Çorum, Çorum, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mustafa Serdar Caglayan
- Email: serdar.09.09@hotmail.com
- Phone: 05074311951
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Using intra-nasal ketorolac to relieve pain from ureteral stents after ureteroscopy
This study is testing whether a nasal spray of ketorolac can help relieve pain better than oral diclofenac for patients with ureteral stents after surgery.
-
Two Ways to Manage the Hernia Sac During Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
This trial tests whether leaving the lower part of the hernia sac in place during laparoscopic repair is as safe as fully removing it for adults with a primary indirect inguinal hernia.
-
Comparison of Different Exercise Protocols for Lipedema
This study tests whether high‑intensity interval training or moderate‑intensity continuous training improves function, strength, and quality of life in adults with lipedema.
-
Direct in-scope suction during flexible ureterorenoscopy for kidney and proximal ureter stones
This study tests whether using direct in-scope suction during flexible ureterorenoscopy helps reduce infections and improve outcomes for adults with kidney or proximal ureter stones.
-
Effects of Two MAP Targets on Eye Blood Flow During Rhinoplasty
This study tests whether using a lower vs. slightly higher mean arterial pressure during rhinoplasty affects eye blood flow and optic nerve perfusion in adults undergoing elective nose surgery.
-
Nephrostomy Tract Infiltration to Ease Pain After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
This trial tests whether injecting local anesthetic into the nephrostomy tract after PCNL helps reduce postoperative pain for adults undergoing the procedure.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.