Ureteroscopic manipulation of stones in the ureter: four years experience

Our experience of 223 ureteroscopies and stone manipulations is reported. Stone removal was successful in 82% of the cases whereof the stones were pushed back into the renal pelvis and subsequently managed with percutaneous nephrolithotomy or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in 24%. For distal stones the success rate was 88%. Reasons for failure were acute obstruction of the ureter and previous surgery or irradiation to the pelvis. In six cases (4%) strictures requiring treatment developed secondary to ureteroscopy. Ureteroscopy can be a tedious and difficult procedure with a considerable learning time. In experienced hands the rate of serious complications is low and the procedure is an alternative in the treatment of ureteric stones, especially in the distal part of the ureter.