[Strategy changes in the treatment of ureteral lithiasis and nephritic colic]

Since lithotripters were first introduced to the clinical practice in 1980, extracorporeal shock wave lithotrite (ESWL) has been universally recognized as the first choice to resolve urinary tract lithiasis, ureteral calculi being the most susceptible lithiasic site for controversy. The urologist approach to the lithiasic patient has changed mainly as compared to that of ureteral calculi. These profound changes translate an undeniable advance of the extracorporeal procedures versus those of endourology, basically based on ESWL low morbidity. In those cases when lithiasis is found in a situation of nephritic colic, there is a real therapeutical chance with ESWL, thus leading to drug therapy losing its major role. We present 768 patients with ureteral lithiasis (1991-1994), 20-25% of which were examined for a nephritic colic. Once the colic situation is overcome in all instances, 35% will require a new lithotrite for complete lithiasic resolution. Overall, our rate of successful ureteral lithiasis resolution is 97% (30% need repeated session).