Ureteric stone. When do we need to intervene?

This paper reports the experience of one urologist reviewing a series of 210 patients with ureteric stone over a 12-year period. The study suggests that with care and patience, more than three quarters of these calculi will pass without surgical intervention. The importance of stone size and site as giving the best prognosis of expected outcome is demonstrated, and it is suggested that the classical indications for operation should be reviewed.