Intracorporeal lithotripsy: a viable option for proximal ureteric stones

To compare the stone clearance of upper with middle and lower ureteric stones by using ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy.

The study was conducted in the Department of Urology, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, from February 2009 to February 2010. A total of 90 patients were selected and divided into three groups of 30, each according to the location of stone in the ureter. All patients underwent ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy with 8.5 Fr Wolf rigid ureteroscope and Wolf 2mm probe used for stone fragmentation. All patients were evaluated with X-ray KUB, ultrasound KUB and IVU. Follow-up studies included X-ray and ultrasound KUB performed on 1st postoperative day, after 1 week and at the end of 2nd week. Presence of stone after last follow-up was considered as failure of the procedure.

Total number of patients were 90 and mean age was 27.47 +/- 5.8 years. Male female ratio was 2.1:1. Mean stone size was 11.44 +/- 1.41mm. According to the location of the stones, the success rate of pneumatic lithotripsy for upper, middle, and lower ureteral stones was 86.7%, 93.3%, and 96.7% respectively. Completely fragmented stones cleared spontaneously within two weeks in 83 of 90 cases so the overall stone-free rate was 92.2%.

Ureteroscopic Pneumatic Lithotripsy is an acceptable form of treatment for upper ureteric calculi in addition to middle and lower ureteric calculi. It is a simple, reliable, effective, rapid and safe procedure.