Urologia internationalis
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Urologia internationalis · Jan 1997
Comparative StudyUreteroscopic treatment of ureteral stones: only an auxiliary measure of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy or a primary therapeutic option?
Both extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureteroscopy are well-established methods in stone treatment; however, the therapeutic procedure in ureteral calculi, especially in the distal third of the ureter, is still controversially discussed. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of ureteroscopy as an auxiliary measure after ESWL and its importance as an alternative therapeutic option in the treatment of distal ureteral stones. Between 1991 and 1994, 115 ureteroscopic procedures in 104 patients with ureteral stones or stone fragments were carried out at our institution. ⋯ After 3 months the overall stone-free rate of all patients treated with ureteroscopy was 94%. Ureteroscopy appears to be a safe and effective treatment modality, if used as an auxiliary measure after failure of ESWL as well as a primary treatment modality in the case of stones in the distal third of the ureter. On the other hand, ESWL alone is a noninvasive and also successful procedure in treating stones situated in the distal part of the ureter.