Ureteroscopy in management of ureteral calculi.

Transurethral ureteroscopy (TUURS) for the management of ureteral stones was performed in 102 patients. Primary ureteroscopy was performed in 57 patients while in 20 cases the procedure was used for stone manipulation prior to ESWL and in 18 cases after ESWL treatment. In 7 cases, insertion of the instrument was impossible. The overall success rate was 89 per cent (85/95). Success rate in the lower ureter was 93 per cent, in the middle ureter 84 per cent, and in the upper ureter 80 per cent. There were four complications (4%) and open operation was required in 3 patients only (3%). The up-to-date ureteroscopic results suggest that ureteroscopy should be the procedure of choice in the treatment of lower ureteral calculi and a valuable alternative in the treatment of upper ureteral calculi.