Experience of Ureteroscopic Pneumatic Lithotripsy In Management of Lower and Mid Ureteric Calculi

Purpose of Study: To formulate results of our experience with ureteroscopy and intracorporeal pneumatic lithotripsy during management of mid and lower ureteric stones. Design of Study: Prospective. Period of Study: January 2004 to April 2006. Setting: American General Hospital, Ahmadpur Road Bahawalpur. Patients and Methods: All patients of mid and lower ureteric stones above 18 years of age were included in this study. Initially 115 patients were selected but 15 patients were lost during follow-up. Patients with previous history of surgery for ureteric stones were not included. Ureteroscopy and intracorporeal pneumatic lithotripsy were used for patients whose stones failed to progress on conservative trial. Results: Intracorporeal pneumatic lithotripsy with ureteroscopy has best results especially in single session with 94.2% stone clearance rates. Conservative management of ureteric calculi is very promising and practicable provided the infection and pain remains under control and stone size is smaller than 06mm. Conclusion: Wait and Watch treatment for ureteric calculi is safe.Ureteroscopy and pneumatic lithotripsy is effective and can be advocated as first line treatment for ureteric calculi if opted by the patient.