Objective: To review the results of primary in situ extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for the treatment of ureteric stones using a third-generation lithotripter, the Dornier MFL 5000 (Dornier Medizentechnic, Germany).
Patients and methods: The study comprised a retrospective review of treatment outcome in 180 patients with 196 stones who were treated with primary in situ ESWL, assessing the success of this approach and establishing reasons for failure.
Results: At the 3-month follow-up, 88% of patients were stone-free; 21 patients failed ESWL and were treated by ureteroscopic stone extraction with no complications. Stone-free rates were 90% for upper ureteric, 89% for middle-third and 86% for lower-third calculi. Twenty-one patients required auxiliary procedures in the form of JJ stenting or nephrostomy. Failure of ESWL was associated with stone size (>1.3 cm) but not location or inadequate treatment.
Conclusion: Where prompt access to ESWL is available, primary in situ ESWL remains an effective form of treatment for all ureteric calculi, although stone-free rates are lower for larger stones.