Management of impacted upper ureteric calculi: results of lithotripsy and percutaneous litholapaxy.

Despite the availability of lithotripsy and endourology, clear guidelines on the management of impacted upper ureteric calculi are lacking. In this study, 51 upper ureteric calculi treated with in situ extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) were classified according to the degree of impaction as indicated by proximal back pressure changes. Patients with mild proximal hydronephrosis (or none at all) had a success rate of 93% but only 35% of those in the impacted group (moderate to severe hydronephrosis) had a successful outcome. A percutaneous antegrade approach to 29 impacted upper ureteric calculi resulted in total clearance in 23 cases; 4 other patients were rendered stone-free following additional procedures, an overall success rate of 93%. The only complication was a ureteric stricture in 1 patient. We recommend the percutaneous approach in the management of impacted upper ureteric calculi.