ABSTRACT
We reviewed our experience with in situ treatment of ureteral stones by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy(ESWL) using the wolf Piezolith 2300 device in 110 patients(114 stones) who were follow up for more than 3-months. The stone-free rate was 86 per cent(49 of 57 stones) for upper, 88.9 per cent(48 of 54 stones) for lower and 33.3 per cent(1 of 3 stones) for mid ureteral stones. The over-all stone-free rate was 85.9 per cent. For ureteral stones treated in situ the best results were obtained in non obstructing stones with 93.2 per cent and also in stones less than 10mm with 94.1 percent at 3 months after initial treatment, while the mid ureteral and impacted stones were difficult to treat successfully in situ on the Wolf piezolith device. The auxiliary measurements such as hydration with diuresis(21 cases, 18.4%), double J stent or nephrostomy(15 cases, 4.4%) were needed. Most of post-ESWL complications were mild and managed conservatively. These results suggest that in situ ESWL is an effective and noninvasive method to treat ureteral stones.