Treatment of prevesical ureteral calculi by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Since August 1985 extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy has been performed in 39 patients with prevesical ureteral stones, including 3 with steinstrasse after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of kidney stones. Female patients less than 40 years old were excluded because of the theoretical possibility of harm to the ovary by shock waves. Via a modified technique with the patient in a flat position, x-rays and shock waves enter through the foramen obturatum. High total power (high number of shocks and high kilovoltage) led to complete stone disintegration and a success rate of 95 per cent was achieved. While ureterorenoscopy should be more restricted, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is the method of choice for the treatment of distal ureteral stones.