Minimal invasive therapy of ureteral calculi using modern techniques

In a one year period from July 1985 to July 1986, 224 upper and 62 distal ureteric calculi were treated. In situ ESWL represents the therapy of first choice for upper and distal ureteric calculi with a success rate of 81% and 76%, respectively. Retrograde mobilization of the calculus was used only in cases where in situ ESWL was impossible because of localization difficulties (obesity, stone close to the spine, skeleton deformation). Although ESWL after successful mobilization succeeded in 95%, retrograde mobilization was possible only in 80%. Antegrade ureterorenoscopy via percutaneous nephrostomy was performed to avoid open surgery after impossible retrograde mobilization and succeeded in 90%. Two second generation lithotripters suitable for treatments without invasive forms of anesthesia, the modified Dornier HM3+ and the Wolf Piezolith 2200, were compared in terms of efficacy for ureteric calculi. In situ ESWL was successful for upper ureter calculi in 70.7% with the HM3+ and 37.9% with the Piezolith 2200. In situ ESWL of middle ureteric calculi was successful in 81.8% with the modified HM3+, while in situ treatment of middle ureteric calculi was impossible with the piezolith 2200 due to insufficient localization of middle ureteric calculi with ultrasound. Distal ureteric calculi were treated successfully in 71.4% with the modified Dornier HM3+ and in 64% with the Piezolith 2200. Our initial clinical experience with ESWL in the prone position for iliac ureteric calculi is reported. Eight of 10 cases were treated successfully in situ.