Treatment of ureteric stones. Comparison of laser and pneumatic lithotripsy

Abstract

To study the treatment of ureteric stones by laser lithotripsy (LL) and pneumatic lithotripsy (PL), and to evaluate the results of the two treatment modalities to assess effectiveness, complications and cost benefits. Between January 1993 and February 1994 200 ureteric stones in 194 patients were fragmented intracorporeally, 48 by LL and 152 by PL. The ages of the patients ranged from 31 to 40 years with a male to female ratio of 2:1. All procedures were performed under general/regional anaesthetic in a day-care set-up. Patients were followed at weekly intervals. Re-treatment was carried out at 4 weeks where necessary. The majority of the stones treated (84%) were in the lower third of the ureter, 69% measured 7-12 mm in diameter, and 61% were composed of calcium oxalate. Ninety-three per cent of the stones were fragmented in one treatment session. The overall stone-free status at 4 weeks was 95% for PL and 84% for LL. The non-fragmentation rate was 10% for LL and 1% for PL. Post-treatment complications were encountered in 8% of the patients treated by LL and 7% by PL. Our experience shows that PL and LL both provide a safe and effective means of performing intracorporeal lithotripsy for smaller ureteric stones. However, PL is more effective in fragmenting larger and harder stones. Moreover, PL is more user-friendly and highly cost-effective compared with LL.