Experience of Rigid Ureteroscopic Removal of Stone

Yang, Sang Kuk; Uh, Hong Sun; Kim, Kwang Jin; Kim, Sung Jin

Abstract

Rigid ureteroscopic removal of ureteral calculi is an established treatment nowadays and can be performed under direct vision using flexible grasping forceps, stone baskets, ultrasonic lithotriptor or electrohydraulic lithotriptor with increased safety and efficacy. Between May 1988 and May 1989, 38 cases of ureteroscopic removal of stone were performed in our urologic department. Twenty eight among 36 cases of lower ureteral stone and none among the 2 cases of mid ureteral stone were removed successfully with the overall success rate of 73.7 % (28 among 38 cases). There noted no difference in the success rate from the stone size. Among the reasons for failure to remove ureteral stone, the failure to insert the ureteroscope into the ureteral orifice due to mucosal injury during ureteral dilation was the most commonly encountered problem. Complications occurred in 8 cases but no surgical intervention was needed in all cases. We agree that rigid ureteroscopic removal of stone under direct vision is the first line of treatment for lower ureteral calculi with proven efficacy and safety.