Transurethral extraction of ureteral stone guided by television fluoroscopy

In 45 patients with ureteral calculi 2 to 8 mm in diameter, attempts were made to remove the stones transurethrally, using a Dormia extractor and television fluoroscopic monitoring. The procedure was successful in 34 patients. The success rate was 74% when the stones were 5 mm or less and 68% with the larger stones. In 10 patients when instrumental extraction failed, this was followed immediately by open surgery, for removal of stone. The reasons for failure of the transurethral procedure are presented. Great care in performance and preparedness for open surgery are always required, especially when the stone is large. Television facilities should be good and include image intensifier. There were no serious complications of instrumental or surgical removal of calculi.