[Technic, failures and complications in the extraction of ureteral calculi using a rigid ureteroscope]

The authors describe the technique for the removal of ureteral stones by ureteroscopy. They stress the need to use perfectly suitable instruments (ureteroscope, baskets and ultrasound or hydro-electric lithotrites), and the importance of extreme gentleness in the manipulations and great patience. The time taken to perform a simple ureterostomy should not be compared to the time necessary for a complex endoscopic extraction. The quality of the dilatation counts for three quarters of the success. Fluoroscopic monitoring facilitates the operation. Ureteral drainage is necessary in the case of a long or fairly traumatic operation, or if there is urinary infection. With these precautions, rigid ureteroscopy can be used for three quarters of ureteral stones. Only one serious complication was registered: the rupture of the pelvic ureter during the extraction of a voluminous lumbar stone.