IN-SITU PIEZOELECTRIC EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK-WAVE LITHOTRIPSY OF URETERAL STONES

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the EDAP LT 02 lithotripter for the in situ treatment of ureteric calculi. Patients and methods One hu ndred consecutive patients presenting with ureteric calculi were treat ed with in situ piezoelectric extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (E SWL) using the EDAP LT 02 lithotripter, There were 49 patients with up per, nine with mid and 42 with lower ureteric stones, The largest diam eter of the stones varied from 7 to 21 mm (mean 9.6 mm), Mild or sever e hydronephrosis was present in 53 cases. Mid and lower ureteric stone s were treated with the patients in the prone position, with no anaest hesia or pre-medication, and upper ureteric stones in the supine posit ion, with intravenous sedation in 44 cases. Results Localization of th e stones was easy in 81 cases and more difficult in 19, but an intrave nous pyelogram was only necessary in three cases. The number of sessio ns per patient varied from 1 to 3 (mean 1.17). Complete success rate w as achieved in 75% of patients and partial success (residual stones le ss than or equal to 3 mm) in 6%, The stone-free rate was statistically affected by stone size but was independent of stone localization or t he degree of obstruction, The rate of infective and obstructive compli cations was 14% and auxiliary treatments were necessary in 5% of patie nts. Conclusion In situ piezoelectric ESWL with the EDAP LT 02 device is a convenient and efficient method for the treatment of ureteric sto nes.