In recent years, ingenious devices and methods have been perfected for the passage or removal of ureteral stones without resort to operation. Properly employed, they have proved of great value and have reflected much credit on urology as a specialty. Among urologists, management of the condition according to this so-called conservative plan has become very popular and quite generally is regarded as the method of choice. There is much evidence that this attitude has carried too far and that the just purpose of such management is becoming subordinate to mere zeal for its use. Conservatism in surgery deserving the name must have as its object welfare of the patient, and this must not be confused with the surgeon's zeal or prejudice for a particular method. The patient's welfare is a many sided objective in which mortality, morbidity, suffering, duration of disability and economic factors all are concerned. Management of ureteral