Comparision of intracorporeal lithotripsy methods and forceps use for distal ureteral stones: seven years experience.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and to compare the safety and efficacy of ureteroscopic lithotripsy methods and forceps use for distal ureteral stones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

514 patients were evaluated retrospectively who were treated by dye laser, electrohydraulic or ultrasonic lithotripsy or direct forceps extraction for distal ureteral stones between May 1992-October 1999.

RESULTS

Laser lithotripsy was determined to be the most effective method with 86.9% success, while ultrasonic lithotripsy was the least effective method with 77.3% success rate. For smaller stones forceps extraction had a 88.5% success rate.

CONCLUSION

Ureteroscopic lithotripsy methods are all alternative choice of treatment methods in distal ureteral stones. To our experience, laser lithotripsy is the most effective method of all intracorporeal lithotripsy methods as far as the success and complication rates are concerned.