ESWL for ureteral calculi. Using the Dornier HM 3, HM 3+ and Wolf Piezolith 2,200.

In a one year period from July 1985 to July 1986 226 upper and 62 distal ureteric calculi were treated. In situ ESWL represents the therapy of first choice for upper and distal ureteric calculi with a success rate of 81% and 76% respectively. Retrograde mobilization of the calculus was used only in cases where in situ ESWL was impossible because of localization difficulties (obesity, stone close to the spine, skeleton deformation). Although ESWL after successful mobilization succeeded in 95%, retrograde mobilization was possible only in 80%. Antegrade ureterorenoscopy via percutaneous nephrostomy was performed to avoid open surgery after impossible retrograde mobilization and succeeded in 90%. Two second generation lithotripters suitable for treatments without invasive forms of the anesthesia, the modified Dornier HM 3- and the Wolf Piezolith 2,200 were compared in terms of efficacy for ureteric calculi. In situ ESWL was successful with the Piezolith 2,200. In situ ESWL of middle ureteric calculi was successful 81.8% with modified HM 3+, while in situ treatment of middle ureteric calculi was impossible with the Piezolith 2,200 due to insufficient localization with ultrasound of middle ureteric calculi were treated successfully in 71.4% with the modified Dornier HM 3+ and in 64% with the Piezolith 2,200. First clinical experience of ESWL in prone position for iliac ureteric calculi was reported. 8 of 10 cases were treated successfully in situ.