Pneumatic lithotripsy: a new modality for treatment of ureteric stones

J Pak Med Assoc. 1995 Jan;45(1):9-11.

Abstract

Two hundred and twenty ureteric stones in 214 patients were fragmented intracorporeally by pneumatic lithotripsy under general/regional anaesthesia in a day care set-up. Patients were followed-up weekly and retreatment was done at 4 weeks where necessary. Majority (77%) of patients were in the age group 21-40 years with a male to female ratio of 2:1. Stone location was 86% in the lower third, 11% in the middle and 3% in the upper third ureter. Size of stones was less than 6 mm in 14%, 7-12 mm in 67% and more than 20 mm in 4% cases. All 81% stones of < 12 mm were fragmented in one treatment session while single treatment rate for stones 13-18 mm was 85% and 44% for more than 20 mm size. Overall non-fragmentation rate was 0.9%. Stone free state at four weeks was 95%. Complications were observed in 8.6% cases which included urosepsis, haematuria and perforations. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) in 45 stones showed majority (64%) to be composed of calcium oxalate. Our experience shows that PL is a safe and effective means of performing intracorporeal lithotripsy for both large and hard ureteric stones.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lithotripsy / adverse effects
  • Lithotripsy / instrumentation
  • Lithotripsy / methods*
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Spectrophotometry, Infrared
  • Stents
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ureteral Calculi / chemistry
  • Ureteral Calculi / diagnostic imaging
  • Ureteral Calculi / therapy*