Lasertripsy in the treatment of ureteral lithiasis

We submit our experience with laser treatment for ureteral lithiasis. We used the laser Candela MDL 2000 for the treatment of 62 lithiases (40 at the pelvic ureter, 16 at the iliac ureter and 6 at the lumbar ureter) in 58 patients. A semi-rigid Dretler or Gautier multiscope were used. Of the 62 calculi complete fragmentation was not achieved in 4 and they were ascended to the renal pelvis for subsequent ESWL. In 51% of the patients the ureteral catheter was left for 24 hours, and a double-J stent was used in two cases.

2 simple perforations of the ureter that were solved by means of a double-J stent; occasionally petechiae on the ureteral wall and two cases of rupture of the laser fibre tip that was easily removed with a forceps.