ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy for ureteric calculi.Methods From January 2003 to June 2007,221 patients with ureteric calculi underwent ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy in our hospital.Under continuous epidural anesthesia combined with spinal anesthesia,the surgery was performed in lateral lithotomy position.Double-J catheter was used for drainage after the operation.Results The mean operation time was 55 minutes(ranged from 15 to 118 minutes).Among the patients,the calculi were found in the upper ureter in 16 cases,middle segment in 52 cases,and lower ureter in 153 cases.A total of 228 stones in the 211 patients were all fragmented with a success rate of 100%.The discharging rate was 95.5%(211/221).ESWL was used in 7 cases with unsatisfied outcomes and 3 patients who had ipsilateral renal calculi.A 3-to 6-month follow-up was achieved in 189 of the patients,who had no recurrence during the period.Conclusions Ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy is a minimal invasive and effective treatment for ureteric calculi.Postoperative ESWL is an alternative which can increase the rate of stone clearance.