In situ lithotripsy of ureteral calculi: review of 261 cases.

The authors report 261 cases of single ureteral calculi treated with in situ lithotripsy after retrograde manipulations had failed. Previous reports have indicated that extracorporeal lithotripsy of impacted ureteral calculi has not been highly successful. Two hundred five of the calculi were located in the proximal ureter, above the sacroiliac joint; 27 were in the presacral ureter, overlying the bony pelvis; and 29 were in the juxtavesicular ureter, below the inferior border of the sacroiliac joint. Retrograde ureteral catheters were in place during lithotripsy for 215 calculi. Two hundred fifty-four (97%) calculi were successfully treated with lithotripsy and, when necessary, with additional postlithotripsy radiologic and urologic interventions. Seven (3%) calculi were not successfully fragmented. Nephrostomy was performed in 13 (5%) patients. Retrograde ureteral catheters were not found to enhance calculus fragmentation. In situ lithotripsy of ureteral calculi has been shown to be feasible as an alternative to ureterolithotomy when retrograde manipulation has failed.