Rigid ureteroscopy: a reliable, non-aggressive technic. Apropos of 51 cases treated for ureteral lithiasis

The authors obtained 82% good results by using rigid ureteroscopy to treat a total of 55 calculi in a series of 51 patients and they propose the following therapeutic approach: calculi in the lumbar ureter are frequently difficult to reach (54% failures). There is no harm in gently trying to remove the stone by ureteroscopy which, in the event of failure, can be followed by percutaneous surgery or posterolumbar incision. Rigid ureteroscopy is easier and more reliable in the case of calculi in the iliac or pelvic ureter (7% failures) and the indications can be extended.