Treatment of distal ureteral calculi -: ESWL is the treatment of choice?

A total of 339 patients (m=235, f=104) suffering from distal ureteral calculi were evaluated. Ninety-eight patients (group 1) had spontaneous stone passage, 186 patients (group 11) had ESWL (Lithotriptor DoLi S, ultrasound localisation) and 55 patients (group 111) URS treatment. All patients in group I became stone free within 4 weeks. A double J catheter was inserted in 21% and alcalinisation therapy was performed in 22%. In group 11 success rate was 90,6%, mean number of ESWL sessions 1,2. In group M the success rate was 92,8%. A JJ catheter was inserted after each URS. No major complications in either group were observed. Within a distance of 4cm from the ostium the localisation by ultrasound is feasible and ESWL success rate high. Ureteral calculi located more than 4cm from the ureteral orifice should be treated by primary URS.