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Comparative study of pulsed dye laser and pneumatic lithotripters for transurethral ureterolithotripsy
1Department of Urology, Kyorin University, School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. kinuta@kyorin-u.ac.jp
Background:
Clinical effectiveness and safety of the Swiss Lithoclast (Lithoclast) and the Candela MDL-2000 (MDL) in the treatment of lower ureteral stone were examined retrospectively.
Methods:
Eighty-six stones from 66 patients and 26 stones from 20 patients were treated by Lithoclast and MDL, respectively.
Results:
The stone-free rate on 3-month follow-up was 97% and 95% for the Lithoclast and MDL, respectively (no significant difference). The operation time was significantly shorter for the Lithoclast than for the MDL (90.2+/-50.2 vs 120.4+/-55.1 min; P<0.05). Postoperative analgesics were required significantly less frequently in Lithoclast (10/66 vs 11/20; P<0.01). Postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter for Lithoclast (8.7+/-5.1 vs 12.1+/-4.2 days; P<0.01).
Conclusions:
Swiss Lithoclast is an effective and less invasive modality for endoscopic treatment of lower ureteral stones.