[Extracorporeal piezoelectric lithotripsy (EDAP LT 01) in the treatment of ureteral calculi. Apropos of a series of 143 cases].

The results for 143 cases of ureteral stones treated by EDAP LT01 were analyzed concerning stone location, ureteral manipulation and treatment position. The ureter was divided into six segments: ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), proximal ureter (PU1 and PU2), mid-ureter (MU), distal ureter (D1 and D2). The overall fracturization rate (FR) was 72%, as detailed below: UPJ (89%, 26/29), PU1 (86%, 13/15), PU2-MU (62%, 15/24), DU1 (59%, 25/42), DU2 (72%, 24/33). Anesthesia or iv sedation were never used for PEL. 24% of the patients underwent retrograde ureteral manipulation (in situ/push back = 108/35). For PU1, the FR was twice as high after retrograde manipulation (in situ/push back = 5/8). For PU2 and MU, the supine position was most common. For UPJ and PU1, it was often better to have the patient lie on his side. For DU1 and DU2, a prone position was necessary. For all stones in DU1, the bladder must be well filled; the FR was higher in DU2 than in DU1. DU2 stones appeared to adhere to the bladder wall or were intravesical (stone in the meatus). The stone-free rate for successfully manipulated ureteral calculi (3 month's follow-up) was 93% (27/29). The stone-free rate for in situ stones at 3 months was 94% (70/74). Extracorporeal piezoelectric lithotripsy combined with stone manipulation is highly efficient in the management of UPJ, PU1 and DU2 stones. The success rate of in situ PEL improves after the operator becomes skilled with the procedure. The advantages of the EDAP LT01 are the absence of pain, no need for anesthesia, and the mobility of the shock wave unit.