[Ureteroscopy for ureteral calculi. 379 cases].

OBJECTIVE

We report the experience of a centre which treated symptomatic ureteric stones exclusively by ureteroscopy.

METHODS

From 1987 to 1993, 379 patients underwent ureteroscopy for ureteric stones, corresponding to 231 men and 148 women, between the ages of 8 and 80 years. The stones were situated in the pelvic ureter in 78.9% of cases, iliac ureter in 15.8%, and lumbar ureter in 5.3% of cases. An 11 F or Gautier ureteroscope was used. The only intracorporeal lithotripsy method consisted of an ultrasound transducer. Finally, our department does not possess an extracorporeal lithotripsy apparatus allowing the treatment of ureteric stones.

RESULTS

The stone was eliminated immediately in 288 patients (76%), the stone was pushed back into the renal cavities in 40 patients (1.5%) and partial failures (residual fragments) or complete failures were observed in 51 patients (13.5%). 13 ureteric perforations (3.43%), treated by means of a double J ureteric stent, and one surgically drained urinoma were observed. 13 false passages of the ureteric meatus had an uneventful course by drainage with a double J stent.

CONCLUSION

Ureteroscopy remains an effective method for the treatment of ureteric stones. It is associated with a definite morbidity, probably higher in a University Centre in which future urologists are trained.