[Rigid uretero-renoscopy: critical study of a series of 116 consecutive patients]

We have reviewed the first 116 cases of uretero-renoscopy using rigid ureteroscopes. Procedures were done for either diagnostic or therapeutic purposes (27 and 2 respectively), and for stone manipulation (87). The overall success rate for stone removal was 73%. The success rate for removal of stones the proximal two-thirds and distal third of the ureter were 38% and 83% respectively. Stones larger than 10 mm. Were successfully removed in 64% of cases. In 13 cases (11%), ureterolithotomy was necessary to successfully remove the stone. Diagnostic ureteroscopies for pathology of the ureter were 100% successful. The factors which affected success and failure rates, e.g. stone size, stone composition, ureteral abnormality and operator experience are delineated.