Transurethral removal of large ureteral and renal pelvic calculi using ureteroscopic ultrasonic lithotripsy.

Transurethral ultrasonic fragmentation of stones allows successful endoscopic removal of upper urinary calculi that otherwise would be considered too large to extract. We successfully extracted endoscopically 2 large renal pelvic and 5 large ureteral stones using transurethral ureteropyeloscopy and ultrasonic lithotripsy. The stone is visualized first with the ureteropyeloscope, and then engaged in a basket and either fragmented or disintegrated with the ultrasonic transducer. Any remaining small stone fragments can be retrieved with a stone basket or forceps. There has been little morbidity with this procedure and patients can return to normal activity after discharge from the hospital.