Ureteroscopy for Proximal Ureteral Calculi: Prevention of Stone Migration

Abstract

Background: The cephalad migration of proximal ureteral calculi accounts for a high percentage of ureteroscopic failures. Patients and Methods: A balloon on a wire is a single-channel 0.038-inch hollow guidewire with a low-profile balloon, which is inflatable to 12F. Forty-two consecutive patients with proximal ureteral calculi underwent ureteroscopy with the aid of this device. Results: Twenty-nine patients had successful placement of the balloon on a wire above the stone. Of those 29 patients, 26 became stone free with a single procedure. Conclusion: The balloon on a wire is a useful tool to aid in the prevention of proximal ureteral stone migration during ureteroscopy and to minimize the number of secondary procedures. In addition, it appears to be cost-effective.