Investigation of upper tracts after resolution of symptoms due to uretericcalculi

Objective: To determine whether patients with proven ureteric calculi on IV U require repeat IVU after resolution of symptoms and passage of calculus o n plain X-ray. Methodology: IVU reports for a 12-month period were obtained and notes and X-rays of those patients with ureteric calculi were reviewed. Presentation, management and subsequent imaging after resolution of symptoms were determ ined for each patient. All X-rays were reviewed by a uroradiologist. Results: Fifty-eight patients were investigated for the study. All initial IVUs showed upper tract dilation or obstruction. Forty-three eventually pas sed their calculi spontaneously and of these, 18 had KUB, all of which show ed passage of the calculus and 25 had repeat IVU, 22 of which were normal. The 3 abnormal IVUs showed persisting calculi which were visible on the pla in film. Fifteen patients required surgical intervention and all had repeat IVU, of which 5 were abnormal. Conclusion: This study suggests that following resolution of symptoms due t o ureteric colic, patients who pass their calculi spontaneously can be foll owed up by KUB. Only those with persistent calculi on KUB or those who have had surgical intervention require repeat IVU. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.