12-year experience using the dormia basket for the extraction of ureteric stones

201 patients underwent attempted extraction of a ureteric stone using the Dormia basket. This was successful in 52% of the cases. Failure was due to the inability to pass the catheter (13%) or failure to catch the stone (30%). Operative complications were seen in a further seven cases (3%) and the overall complication rate was 11% (23 cases). An experienced operator had a slightly improved chance of extracting a stone successfully when compared with a trainee, but this was not significant. In approximately half the cases in which the stone was not extracted, it passed spontaneously. The remainder required a further procedure to remove the stone.