The outcome of pneumatic lithotripsy for the management of ureteric calculi

Abstract

Background: Various methods have been adopted for the removal of ureteric calculi around the world. Ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy has been used to treat ureteric calculi for more than a decade. Owing to its low price and high degree of effectiveness, it has become the most popular ureteroscopic device amongst many others. Moreover, ureteroscopy has become the method of choice for the quickest way of rendering patients stone-free.

Objectives: To determine successful stone fragmentation by ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy in the management of ureteric calculi as well as intra-operative and post-operative complications related to it.

Study design: A prospective and descriptive study. The study was conducted in Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, B&B Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu University. The data was collected from April 2005 to April 2006.

Materials and methods: Ninety-two consecutive patients having ninety-five ureteric stones were treated with intracorporeal pneumatic lithotripsy over a period of one year. The size, side, number and site of stones along with the results of preoperative routine investigations were noted in the patients. The pneumatic lithotripter was introduced through a 10 or 8 Fr rigid ureteroscope (Karl Storz) to break the stone/s. Successful stone fragmentation, lithotripsy time, intra-operative and post-operative complications and duration of hospital stay were recorded.

Results: Complete stone fragmentation was achieved in about 80 % of cases. The mean lithotripsy time was 17.66 minutes. About 76% of patients were stone-free at one week follow-up after the procedure, 92% by the end of eight weeks while 100% stone-free status was achieved by the end of 12 weeks. The mean hospital stay was 1.82 days and complications (both significant and minor) occurred in 51 % of cases. However, majority of them were minor and successfully managed.

Conclusion: Intra-operative pneumatic lithotripsy is a minimally invasive, effective and rapid procedure for the management of ureteric calculi. Though it can give rise to considerable complications, they are mainly minor. Moreover, both complications and failure rates can be reduced if patients with ureteric calculi are properly selected. It seems to be a good alternative in patients where extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is unsuccessful or not indicated and in patients who need early stone removal.