De Novo Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Lower Ureteral Calculi: Treatment of Choice

Abstract

Patients with low ureteral calculi were accepted for treatment in the Dornier HM3 lithotripter if, in the opinion of the treating urologist, the calculus was able to be seen on the X-ray monitors. Using the supine position, 65 patients so selected were treated initially (de novo) with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with a 91% success rate. These results are compared with those of 54 patients similarly selected and treated after lower tract instrumentation (ureteral catheterization, ureteral stent placement, or prior failed ureteroscopy) with an 87% success rate. No complications were encountered in the group treated de novo.