IN-SITU EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK-WAVE LITHOTRIPSY FOR PRIMARY URETERAL CALCULI

Objective. To determine the efficacy of the Lithostar lithotriptor for the in situ treatment of primary ureteric stones. Methods. We reviewe d, retrospectively, our experience with 283 patients with primary uret eric stones treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) using the Lithostar lithotriptor. No attempts were made to manipulate the stones. The majority of the patients were treated using only intra venous analgesia. Auxiliary measures were used in 84 patients (29.6%). There were 112 patients (39.6%) with upper, 53 (18.7 %) with middle, and 118 (41.7%) with lower ureteric stones. Results. A single ESWL ses sion was needed for 200 patients (70.6%), two for 49 patients (17.3%), and more than two sessions for 34 patients (12%). Of the 248 patients who had adequate follow-up, 220 (88.7%) were stone free, 14 (5.65%) h ad some residual stone, while 14 (5.65%) patients failed to respond to the treatment. Patients' gender and body weight influenced the treatm ent and the clearance rate numerically without any statistical signifi cance. The stone site was the most significant factor influencing the final result. Stones larger than 10 mm and the presence of hydronephro sis adversely affected the treatment. Conclusions. In situ ESWL of ure teral stones with the Lithostar device is a convenient and efficient m ethod of treating calculi within the whole length of the ureter withou t the need for any manipulation.