[Long-term follow-up results of TUL (transurethral ureterolithotripsy)]

We experienced 112 cases of urolithiasis treated with transurethral ureterolithotripsy (TUL) between December, 1985 and September, 1988. We analyzed 35 patients treated with TUL and who had come to our hospital to be examined by cystography, renal ultrasonography, plain X-ray, and urinalysis more than 3 months later. The follow-up term ranged from 3 to 30 months after TUL. The patients were treated using a 12Fr Stortz rigid lithotripter or flexible uretero-fiberscope with electrohydraulic lithotripter. Urinalysis, kidney-ureter-bladder X-ray (KUB), ultra-sonography and cystogram were the main disciplines for follow-up. Urinalysis revealed 4 cases of hematuria, 3 cases of hematopyuria and 2 cases of pyuria. KUB showed no newly formed stones, but 2 cases of ureteral stones had moved from the kidneys. Renal ultrasonography demonstrated no hydronephrosis of operated side, except for 1 case of mild hydronephrosis, who had had severe hydronephrosis preoperatively. We searched for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in 34 of the long-term follow-up patients after TUL, but no VUR was seen on their cystograms. No significant late complications of TUL were observed. No harmful effects of ureteral dilation during transureteral operation were found even in long-term follow-up patients.