Publication:

Study of the outcome on ureteroscopic lithotripsy in patients with upper ureteric calculi: a descriptive study

Background Ureteric calculi are one of the most common cause of abdominal pain in the emergency room. There are several options for the management of ureteric stones. Ureterorenoscopy and lithotripsy is the commonly used modality because it is less morbid and invasive, but the drawback is proximal stone migration which leads to persisting symptoms and increased costs. The aim of this study is to use an anti-retropulsion device to reduce the rate of proximal stone migration.

Methods This description study was conducted in Sree Gokulam Medical college from December 2014 to December 2015, on 75 consecutive patients who had ureteric stones, of ages 20-60 who were willing to give consent. All patients underwent ureteroscopy and lithotripsy and in those patients from who anti-retropulsion device could not be manipulated proximal to the stone lithotripsy alone was done. Both groups were compared for procedure time, post-operative symptoms and stone free rates.

Results The average time taken for the procedure with anti-retropulsion device was 45 minutes whereas in the other group was 72 minutes. 48 (96%) of patients using the device were symptom free and 48 (96%) patients had no symptoms after the procedure.

Conclusions The use of a anti retropulsion device can significantly reduce proximal stone migration, so thereby reducing further procedures and costs.