[Piezoelectric extracorporeal lithotripsy of calculi of the median ureter (EDAP LT 02)]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the performance of in situ piezolectric extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the middle part of the ureter.

Material and methods: 36 consecutive patients presenting with stones of the middle part of the ureter were treated by in situ piezoelectric ESWL (EDAP LT 02). The maximal dimensions of the stones ranged from 5 to 14 mm (m = 7.8). Moderate or severe ureterohydronephrosis was present in 19 cases (53%) and a double J stent had been previously implanted in 6 cases (17%). The ESWL sessions were performed in the ventral supine position without any anaesthesia or systematic premedication, but an IM injection of 100 mg of pethidine was administered during poorly tolerated treatments.

Results: The stone was located easily in 23 cases (64%) and with greater difficulty in 13 cases (36%), as an intraoperative intravenous injection of contrast agent was performed in 6 cases (17%). The number of sessions per patient ranged from 1 to 2 (m = 1.16). The complete sucess rate was 75%, with a 64% success rate after a single ESWL session. The performances were statistically independent of stone dimensions and the degree of obstruction of the urinary tract. The complication rate was 5.5%, but no ancillary endoscopic or percutaneous treatment was required.

Conclusion: In situ piezoelectric ESWL allows effective management of most stones of the middle part of the ureter. However, the treatment of stones with a maximal diameter < 5 mm, especially poorly radiopaque stones, can raise problems of localization. Very large or impacted stones, especially when complicated by urinary tract infection, should be preferably treated by first-line ureteroscopy.