Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy versus ureteroscopy for distal ureteral calculi: a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE

We performed a prospective randomized study to determine appropriate first line treatment for distal ureteral stones.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between January 1996 and October 1997, 80 patients with distal ureteral stones (40 smaller than 5 mm. and 40 larger than 5 mm.) were randomized and treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy with a 9.5 or 6.5F semirigid ureteroscope.

RESULTS

Ureteroscopy was significantly better in terms of operative time, fluoroscopy time and time to achieve a stone-free state. The smaller the stones, the greater the difference between the 2 treatment modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

For distal ureteral stones we recommend ureteroscopy as first line treatment.