Study of the ureterovesical jet flow by means of dupplex Doppler ultrasonography in patients with residual ureteral stone after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Abstract

The aims of our study are to evaluate ureterovesical jet flow Doppler ultrasound (US) in patients with residual ureteral stone after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and to compare with unobstructed contralateral ureter. Patients who have residual ureteral stone in intravenous pyelography (IVP) and/or computed tomography (CT) after ESWL and unobstructed contralateral ureter in 20 patients were prospectively evaluated with Doppler US. The mean peak velocity of the Doppler waveforms was obtained on the residual ureteral stone and contralateral non-obstructed ureter (17.10 +/- 20), (56.0 +/- 32), respectively (P < 0.05). In conclusion, due to the absence of contraindications and side-effects, Doppler US is sensitive and highly specific that can contribute significantly to the diagnosis of residual ureteral stone after ESWL. It can replace IVP and/or CT, in condition where IVP is undesirable and in addition Doppler US can supply a functional investigation of the obstructed ureter.