In situ extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for upper ureteral stones using the EDAP LT-01 lithotriptor.

We reviewed 64 cases of upper ureteral stones treated between December 1986 and June 1988. Upper ureteral stones were defined as stones in the ureter distal to the ureteropelvic junction and proximal to the S1 vertebra. All stones were treated in situ with no invasive procedures done before treatment. The over-all success rate in rendering patients free of stones by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy monotherapy was 75%. Of the patients 25% required auxiliary procedures, such as percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy. The average duration of treatment for each stone was 88 minutes and the average storage energy used was 208 units.