Ureteroscopy and ureteric calculi: how useful?

The results of management in 134 patients admitted to hospital during 1985 with ureteric colic are presented in relation to the size and position of a ureteric stone. Spontaneous passage of a stone occurred in 100 patients and 34 required surgical intervention. Stones measuring 5 mm or less in maximum dimension passed spontaneously in 92% of cases; stones measuring 6 mm or more had only a 28% chance of passing. Of 34 surgical procedures 19 were endoscopic. In three cases a stone was removed under vision with ureteroscope and Dormia basket. In five patients ureteric dilatation before attempted ureteroscopy permitted later passage of the stone. In 1986 similar results were obtained with ureteroscopic stone removal performed in three cases. Fewer open operations and more Dormia basket extractions were performed in 1986. In this series the size of the stone was closely related to outcome. The high chance of spontaneous passage (75% in 1985 and 84% in 1986) puts the need for surgical intervention, and in particular ureteroscopy, into perspective in the management of patients with ureteric colic.