Conservative management of ureteric stones

The authors review the current conservative management of ureteric stones. The physiopathology of the renal colic is analyzed with its implications in the medical treatment. The role of NSAID is enhanced. Stone size and stone location are to be considered when evaluating the possibility of spontaneous passage of the stone. Stones less than 3 mm in diameter of the lower ureter will pass spontaneously in 90% of the cases while stones more then 6 mm in the upper ureter will not pass in most cases. The role of stone dissolution in uric acid and cystine stones is discussed. SWL is not controversial in the management of upper stones less than 15 mm in size. The authors report their experience with SWL of ureteric stones in upper, middle or lower ureteric stones with a success rate of respectively 87%, 65% and 84%.