Transurethral ureteroscopic extraction of stone from the ureter and renal pelvis

Use of a rigid ureteroscope for extraction of 19 ureteric and 6 renal pelvic stones is reported. One of the 24 patients had bilateral ureteric stone. The extraction was successful in 22 cases, including 9 after ultrasonic disintegration of stone. Surgical removal of stone was required because of failure of the ultrasound apparatus in one case and ureteric perforation in another. One stone was extracted "blind". The method has many advantages over more established procedures. It should be the preferred technique for management of ureteric calculi, and may be an option for some renal pelvic stones.