Background and purpose: Despite the proven effectiveness of propofol on reducing smooth muscle tone, the effect of this drug on ureteral spasm has not been investigated yet. This study was designed to investigate the effect of propofol on transurethral lithotripsy (TUL) and its influence on reducing acute ureteral spasm.

Materials and methods: A double-blind clinical trial was conducted in 122 patients. Initially, all patients were given 0.02mg/kg midazolam and 2μg/kg fentanyl. The subjects were then randomly divided into two groups. The first group (n=65) received 2.5mg/kg propofol and for the second group
(n= 57) 5mg/kg thiopental was injected. TUL was performed using pneumatic method. Duration of TUL, hemodynamic condition, and success rate of lithotripsy, using ESWL, ureteral stent, Double J and any complications were recorded.

Results: There were no significant differences in terms of gender, age, weight and stone size between the two groups (P> 0.05). Duration of TUL (P=0.004) and the mean of SBP, DBP and HR in one and five minutes were significantly lower in the propofol group (P< 0.01). The success rate of TUL was 96.9% and 89.5% in propofol and thiopental groups, respectively (P= 0.097). Stent and double J replacement were observed in 17.5% and 22.8% of thiopental group and 20% and 16.9% of the propofol group, respectively (P= 0.415).

Conclusion: Propofol was associated with higher reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, less changes in heart rate, reducing the duration of TUL, increasing the success rate of TUL, and less need to Double J and ESWL.