J-wire facilitates retrograde manipulation of ureteric calculi prior to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

During a 13-month period, 55 patients underwent attempted retrograde manipulation for ureteric lying above the pelvic brim. The mean stone burden was 11 mm (range 5-21); 41 stones (75%) were primary ureteric calculi and 14 (25%) were fragments resulting from extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy to renal calculi. The method of retrograde manipulation was recorded prospectively. Retrograde flushing through an 8F angiography catheter with a mixture of saline and lignocaine gel was successful in 27 patients (49%). The insertion of a J-wire through the angiocath allowed for successful manipulation in a further 17 patients (31%). Retrograde manipulation was impossible in 11 patients (20%). There were 4 complications (7%), none attributable to the use of a J-wire.     

Laser-induced shock-wave lithotripsy of ureteric calculi

Summary Laser-induced shock-wave generation with a high-intensity Q-switched Nd: YAG laser depends on a laser-induced breakdown in a liquid, with the formation of an oscillating plasma bubble and cavitational effects. No thermic lesions in porcine urothelium could be found. A new multifunctional laser for shock-wave fragmentation (20-ns pulse duration) of urinary calculi, with a freerunning mode and millisecond pulses for biliary stones and coagulation of tissue was developed for use with 320-, 400- and 600-m quartz fibers. A total of 100 patients with 112 calculi were treated with laser-induced shock-wave lithotripsy (LISL), with complete fragmentation of 106 stones; in 6 calculi, laser disintegration was too slow. The efficacy of LISL can be augmented with a highly diluted metallic solution (Fe-III-dextran or MgCl) by a self-focussing effect of the laser beam. With small quartz fibers 320 and 400 m, however, these solutions are not necessary for hard stones, as the laser focus is minimized in these fibers.     

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy for distal ureteric calculi.

The results of 67 consecutive patients referred to the New South Wales Lithotripter Centre with distal ureteric calculi were evaluated. All these patients were treated on the Dornier HM3 Lithotripter. Distal ureteric calculi were classified as those at, or distal to, the proximal margin of the sacro-iliac joint. Eleven patients with stones overlying the sacro-iliac joint were treated in the prone position, while 56 patients with stones distal to the sacro-iliac joint, were treated in the saddle (astride) position. Of the 64 patients in whom follow-up was available, 44 (69%) were rendered totally stone free by extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Lithotripsy has proved an effective treatment for distal ureteric calculi and has rendered 69% of patients stone free with minimal morbidity. Stones overlying the sacro-iliac joint can be successfully treated in the prone position.     

输尿管镜气压弹道碎石术与ESWL治疗输尿管结石的疗效比较

目的:比较输尿管镜气压弹道碎石术(URSL)与ESWL治疗输尿管结石的疗效及副作用。方法:分别使用URSL与ESWL治疗输尿管结石患者各200例,治疗后应用腹部平片或B超评估其疗效,随访3个月,了解结石清除率,观察并记录治疗后并发症。结果:URSL有效率为91.5%,明显高于ESWL治疗者的总有效率73.5%(P<0.01);其中上段结石有效率87.72%,低于ESWL的93.33%(P<0.05),中下段结石有效率93%,明显高于ESWL的65%(P<0.01);其肾绞痛、恶心、呕吐、发热低于后者(P<0.05)。接受URSL的患者1.5%有输尿管穿孔。结论:URSL治疗输尿管结石的疗效优于ESWL;URSL较适合于输尿管中、下段结石的治疗,而ESWL较适合于输尿管上段结石的治疗。     

气压弹道碎石术治疗输尿管结石210例分析

目的探讨输尿管镜气压弹道碎石术治疗输尿管结石的效果。方法回顾性分析2007年6月至2008年9月210例输尿管镜气压弹道碎石治疗输尿管结石的临床资料。结果输尿管结石位于上、中、下段者分别为35例、102例7、3例。病例手术时间20~100 min,平均55 min。输尿管镜一次碎石率90.5%,其中上段77.1%,中段91.2%,下段95.9%。1例改开放手术,19例改体外震波碎石术(ESWL)。结论输尿管镜气压弹道碎石术高效、安全、损伤小,可作为治疗输尿管中下段结石的首选方法,术后联合ESWL术可以提高结石清除率。     

In situ extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for primary ureteric calculi

Objective. To determine the efficacy of the Lithostar lithotriptor for the in situ treatment of primary ureteric stones.Methods. We reviewed, retrospectively, our experience with 283 patients with primary ureteric stones treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) using the Lithostar lithotriptor. No attempts were made to manipulate the stones. The majority of the patients were treated using only intravenous analgesia. Auxiliary measures were used in 84 patients (29.6%). There were 112 patients (39.6%) with upper, 53 (18.7%) with middle, and 118 (41.7%) with lower ureteric stones.Results. A single ESWL session was needed for 200 patients (70.6%), two for 49 patients (17.3%), and more than two sessions for 34 patients (12%). Of the 248 patients who had adequate follow-up, 220 (88.7%) were stone free, 14 (5.65%) had some residual stone, while 14 (5.65%) patients failed to respond to the treatment. Patients' gender and body weight influenced the treatment and the clearance rate numerically without any statistical significance. The stone site was the most significant factor influencing the final result. Stones larger than 10 mm and the presence of hydronephrosis adversely affected the treatment.Conclusions. In situ ESWL of ureteral stones with the Lithostar device is a convenient and efficient method of treating calculi within the whole length of the ureter without the need for any manipulation.     

The treatment of patients with ureteral calculi by ureteroscopy and intracorporeal lithotripsy

Ureteroscopy with endocorporeal urinary stone lithotripsy (EUSL) implies an "in situ" stone fragmentation including or not a basket extraction of the fragments. EUSL needs three conditions: ureteronephroscopy (antegrade or retrograde), sources of energy (ultrasonic, electrohydraulic, laser), extraction devices (basket, grasping forceps). The paper reports the data on 120 ureteral stones treated by ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy with an overall effect of 84%.     

Effect of diuresis on extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy treatment of ureteric calculi

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of diuresis during extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) treatment of ureteric calculi. The purpose is to improve stone fragmentation and clearance rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and six consecutive patients with ureteric calculi at different levels were treated by ESWL using Siemens Lithostar 2 machine. Patients have been randomized into two treatment groups. The first group was treated by standard ESWL and included 54 patients. The second group was treated by ESWL with diuresis during the ESWL session. Shock waves were given at a rate of 90 shocks/minute with energy starting from 10 up to 18 KV. During the ESWL session the patient belonging to the second group received i.v. infusion of 500 ml normal saline containing 40 mg furosemide as a diuretic. The stone fragmentation and clearance rates were the two end points for evaluation. RESULTS: The average number of sessions per stone was 1.92 and 1.5 and the average number of shocks per stone was 6295 and 5300 for the first and second treatment groups respectively. Stone fragmentation rate was 47/54 (87%) and 50/52 (96.2%) and the stone clearance (success) rate was 47/54 (87%) and 48/52 (92.3%) for the first and the second groups respectively. Analysis of the results in relation to stone location showed that the two treatment groups were comparable for upper and middle ureteric calculi. However for distal ureteric stones, the addition of diuresis during ESWL was associated with a lower mean number of ESWL sessions and shocks per stone compared with standard ESWL: 1.38 and 4950 for ESWL with diuresis compared with 2.9 and 8544 for standard ESWL respectively. The stone fragmentation and 3-month clearance (success) rates were clearly higher: 93.8% and 87.5% respectively for ESWL with diuresis compared with 70.6% (for both fragmentation and clearance) with standard ESWL. CONCLUSIONS: Diuresis is a useful, inexpensive and safe adjunct to ESWL of ureteric stones. It markedly improves the results of ESWL treatment of distal ureteric stones compared with standard ESWL.     

Extracorporeal lithotripsy of ureteric calculi using the Dornier HM-3 lithotriptor.

Over a 5-year period (November 1984-November 1989), we treated 356 patients with ureteric calculi; 170 were treated by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) on a Dornier HM-3 lithotriptor. The calculi (n = 176) were uniformly distributed along the length of the ureter: 44 were just below the pelviureteric junction, 59 were lumbo-iliac, 42 were in the upper bony pelvis and 32 in the lower bony pelvis. The mean diameter of the upper ureteric calculi was 10 mm and for the others it was 8 mm. Thirty-four patients with acute obstructive pyelonephritis required pre-ESWL drainage of the urine. X-ray localisation required intravenous urography during lithotripsy in 52 cases (30%). On plain X-ray the following day 170 stones (96%) were judged to have disintegrated. The 6 patients whose stones were not fragmented received further treatment (ureterotomy (4) and ureteroscopy (2)). Five patients required additional treatment because of pain or fever (catheterisation (3) and ureterotomy (2)) and 2 patients had a second lithotripsy owing to insufficient fragmentation. Four patients were lost to follow-up. In 153 patients (90%) the fragments were eliminated completely, 146 in the first month and the remainder before the sixth month. No serious sequelae were observed. In addition to the 5 patients who required supplementary treatment. 11 patients with pain or fever needed medical treatment. We recommend first intention in situ ESWL for all ureteric calculi.     

微创经皮肾碎石与经尿道输尿管镜碎石治疗输尿管上段结石的比较

目的比较微创经皮’肾镜取石术（MPCNL）与输尿管镜取石术（URL）治疗输尿管上段结石的疗效。方法从2003年1月至2005年12月，对240例单侧输尿管上段结石患者，123例采用MPCNL治疗，117例采用URL治疗后，40例接受辅助ESWL治疗。结果MPCNL组临床治疗成功率为100％（123／123），一次结石清除率为96％（119／123）。URL组临床治疗成功率为58．1％（68／117），术后一次结石清除率47％（56／117），术后辅助体外冲击波碎石，一个月结石清除率为84％（99／117），均显著低于MPCNL组（P〈0．05）。结论微创经皮肾穿刺碎石治疗输尿管上段结石，有较高的临床治疗成功率、结石清除率，虽然经尿道输尿管镜碎石治疗效果较差，但联合体外冲击波可提高疗效。     

Treatment of ureteric lithiasis with retrograde ureteroscopy and holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy vs extracorporeal lithotripsy

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the efficiency of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) vs retrograde ureteroscopy and holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy, as ESWL is successful in 67–90% of cases but endoscopic lithotripsy with pneumatic lithotrites or lasers is successful in 90–96% of distal ureteric calculi, and holmium:YAG lithotripsy is effective in proximal ureteric calculi.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From April 2006 to April 2008 we assessed 164 patients undergoing ureteric lithiasis in two homogeneous groups: group A included 83 treated with retrograde ureteroscopy and holmium:YAG endoscopic lithotripsy, and group B, 81 treated by ESWL. For laser lithotripsy we used 2071 mJ pulses at 3–6 Hz, with a mean of 1105 pulses and 2.5 kJ of total energy. ESWL was carried out using 37.5–87.5 mJ shock waves, a mean of 3650 shock waves and 187.6 J, with a radioscopy time of 1–4 min. The results were assessed after 3 weeks with plain films and ultrasonography, or urography. The efficiency of each procedure was assessed by calculating the relative risk, and results compared using the chi‐square or Student’s t‐test. The efficiency quotient (EQ) was determined for both procedures, and the focal applied energy quotient (FAEQ) used to assess ESWL.

RESULTS

The overall success rate for retrograde ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy was 96.4% (80/83 patients), with an EQ of 0.52; a JJ catheter was placed in 67 patients. The success rate for the first ESWL session was 48%, and after repeat ESWL was 64% (52/81 patients), giving an EQ of 0.39. For successful treatments the FAEQ was 9.22, vs 6.47 for the failures (P < 0.005). There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) favouring laser lithotripsy, with an absolute benefit of 46% (95% confidence interval 33.8–57.9%), and number needed to treat of 2 (2–3), but no significant differences for lumbar ureteric calculi.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic lithotripsy with the holmium laser is more effective than ESWL, but for lumbar ureteric calculi ESWL is therapeutically recommended as it is less invasive.     

Transurethral ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy and retrieval of ureteric calculi under local anaesthesia and sedation

Under strict indications, ureterorenoscopic (URS) lithotripsy was used to treat ureteric calculi in 61 patients under local anaesthesia and sedation in a 2-year period ending November 1988. Assessments of success and discomfort of the procedure were made. Stone retrieval was accomplished in 48 patients (78% success rate) and a mean pain score of 6 was recorded in a scale from 0 to 10. It was concluded that performing URS under local anaesthesia is an acceptable alternative.     

腔内微创技术治疗妊娠并发输尿管结石

目的探讨腔内微创技术处理妊娠并发输尿管结石的疗效和安全性。方法回顾性分析37例妊娠并发输尿管结石患者的临床资料和治疗方法。结果 37例超声检查发现输尿管结石。37例患者肾绞痛、发热等症状消失,结石一次取净32例(86.49%),残留结石者5例(13.51%),5例只留置双J管,于产后行体外冲击波碎石术(ESWL),37例孕妇均安全渡过围产期,无输尿管穿孔等并发症。结论妊娠并发输尿管结石首选超声检查。经尿道输尿管镜腔内微创技术治疗妊娠期并发输尿管结石具有微创、安全、有效的特点,值得临床推广应用。     

妊娠并发输尿管结石的腔内技术治疗

目的:探讨妊娠并发输尿管结石安全有效的治疗方法.方法:回顾行分析26例妊娠并发输尿管结石患者的临床资料及治疗经过:患者妊娠11～36周,结石最大径6～14 mm;输尿管上段结石6例,中段结石8例,下段结石12例(含1例双侧输尿管下段结石).22例通过B超检查明确诊断.行经尿道输尿管镜下气压弹道碎石24例,单纯留置双J管2例.结果:26例患者肾绞痛、发热、无尿等症状均完全消失,结石一次取净者20例;残留结石并发肾结石者6例,留置双J管,于产后行ESWL治疗.未发生流产或早产,无输尿管穿孔等并发症.结论:采用逆行输尿管插管或输尿管镜取石术治疗妊娠并发输尿管结石患者安全有效.     

Treatment outcomes of semirigid ureterorenoscopy and intracorporeal lithotripsy in pregnant women with obstructive ureteral calculi

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the outcomes of semirigid ureterorenoscopy and intracorporeal lithotripsy as a definitive treatment in pregnant women with obstructive ureteral calculi. A retrospective analysis was performed of 16 pregnant patients referred to gynecology department with ureteral obstruction from 2007 to 2009. The mean age was 25 years, and mean gestation period was 30 weeks. Of the 16 patients; 50% had fever, 100% flank pain, 56% dysuria, 25% gross hematuria, 50% positive urine culture, and 75% pyuria and microscopic hematuria. Abdominal ultrasonography was the principle diagnostic test used. The mean stone size was 9.45 mm. Eleven of the 16 patients, 54% had stones located in the distal ureter and 46% proximal ureter. The stones were fragmented using a swiss pneumatic lithoclast through 9.5 F semirigid ureteroscope by 0.035 mm safety guidewire with the patient under general anesthesia. Eleven patients had obstruction due to the ureteral calculi. Eight of 11 patients had complete fragmentation of the calculi by ureteroscopy as a primary treatment. Push-back was performed in the other three patients. By applying Dj catheter, and performing eswl after giving birth, the patient became stone-free. Dj catheter was applied peroperative to all 16 patients. No complications were recorded, and all patients completed the full term of pregnancy. The results of our study have shown that semirigid ureteroscopy to diagnose ureteral calculi and treat them with intracorporeal pneumatic lithotripsy and ureteral stent insertion, as indicated, is the most efficient and definitive treatment modality in pregnant women.     

Prediction of outcome of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the management of ureteric calculi

The present study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcome of using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of ureteric calculi and to establish a predictive model for the stone-free rate in patients receiving the treatment. A total of 831 patients with ureteric calculi were accepted in this study. Several parameters, including stone site, stone number, stone size, history of urolithiasis, renal colic, hydronephrosis, and double-J ureteric stent, were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. A prediction model was established based on the logistic regression analysis of the significant factors, and the goodness-of-fit of the model was evaluated by employing the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. At a 3-month follow-up after ESWL treatment, the overall stone-free rate was 96.8% (804/831) with no serious complications being found, while the treatment failed in 3.2% (27/831) of the patients. Five factors, including stone number, stone size, history of urolithiasis, renal colic, and double-J ureteric stent contributed significantly to the clinical outcome of the ESWL treatment. The prediction model had a sensitivity and overall accuracy of 99.8 and 96.9%, respectively. The results show that ESWL remains an effective method for treating ureteric calculi. The prediction model established in this study could be used as a method for estimating prognosis in patients following ESWL treatment.