Does the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil facilitate passage of distal ureteric stones?

BEEM Bottom Line

Why is this study important?

Medical expulsion therapy (MET) is a controversial topic in the management of ureteric stones. Noninvasive and nonsurgical treatment options for stone removal are preferred for being safer and cost effective and having fewer complications. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors are approved for MET by the United States Food and Drug Administration and have been shown to be effective when tested in vitro, as well as in clinical trials.[1][2][3][4]

Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?

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