Objective:

We have retrospectively evaluated the results of patients who have undergone ureterorenoscopic pneumatic lithotripsy (URSPL) for distal ureteral stones in our clinic. We have evaluated efficiency and reliability of URS-PL in treatment of distal ureteral stones.

Material and Methods:

One hundred and thirty patients who have undergone URS-PL between October 2003 and April 2006 were evaluated. Seventy-six (58.4%) and 54 (41.6%) of the patients were men and women, respectively. Mean age of the patients was 42.9±12 (range 22-74) years. 8.5 Fr/10 Fr rigid ureteroscope (Olympus, Germany) for ureteroscopy and pneumatic lithotripter (Elmed- Vibrolith,Turkey) for lithotripsy were used. While 110 patients (84.6%) have undergone URS-PL as a first-line treatment, it was performed as a second-line treatment in 20 patients (15.4%) after failed shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL). Mean stone size of the patients was 9.7±2.6 mm. Stone-free and complication rates of the patients were investigated.

Results:

Stones of 125 (96.2%) patients were disintegrated successfully with URS-PL. As 124 (95.4%) of them were stone-free within one month, a second URS-PL session was required in one patient. Open surgical procedure was performed in 2 patients (1.5%), one being due to ureteral perforation and one due to ureteral avulsion. SWL after ureteral catheter placement was performed in 3 patients due to proximal stone migration (2.3%).

Conclusion:

URS-PL is an effective and reliable method which can be used as a first-line option in treatment of distal ureteral stones.

Keywords: Ureteroscopy, distal ureteral stone, pneumatic lithotripsy