Pneumatic lithotripsy for the treatment of ureteric calculi

ABSTRACT

Transureteral lithotripsy has emerged as a popular and standard treatment modality for the management of ureteric calculi. It can be used very effectively to treat ureteric calculi at all locations. In this study, fifty consecutive cases of ureteric calculi treated by ureteroscopy and pneumatic intracorporeal [Lithoclast] lithotripsy have been reviewed. The overall success rate was 92%. With the advent of and continuous refinements in minimally invasive techniques, open surgery is becoming a story of past in the management of ureteric calculi. The success rate for ureteroscopic stone retrieval depends upon the stone size, location and experience of the ureteroscopist. In our experience, ureteroscopic lithotripsy has been found to be a safe, effective and expeditious means of clearing ureteric calculi at all levels. It is tolerated well by the patient, associated with very low morbidity and recommended as a procedure of choice for all ureteric calculi