An evaluation of ureteral laser lithotripsy: 225 consecutive patients

We treated 225 patients with 227 ureteral calculi (5 steinstrasse) via the pulsed dye laser with 9.5F rigid, 7.2F semirigid and flexible, steerable ureteroscopes. The 222 calculi (excluding steinstrasse) were fragmented by laser alone in 141 cases (64%), laser and a basket in 30 (13%), and laser and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in 33 (15%). The laser failed in 18 cases (8%). Of the 222 calculi 165 were impacted. Of 29 impacted upper ureteral calculi 15 were treated by laser disimpaction and fragmentation, 13 by laser disimpaction followed by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and 1 by an operation. Of 42 mid ureteral calculi (30 impacted) 24 were treated successfully by laser fragmentation and 14 by fragmentation followed by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, while 4 failed laser therapy. Among 151 lower ureteral and tunnel calculi laser fragmentation was successful in 132 cases (87%), laser followed by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was successful in 6 and 13 failed laser treatment. There were no ureteral strictures and no ureteral injuries related to use of the laser. The pulsed dye laser is safe and effective treatment for impacted upper and mid ureteral calculi, small mid ureteral calculi in female patients, and lower ureteral calculi in male and female patients. Use of the laser in conjunction with other endourological methods resulted in the need for an operation in 2 of 225 patients (0.9%) with ureteral calculi.