Does ureteroscopy still have a place in the treatment of ureteric stones?

Objectives: To evaluate the results obtained by ureteroscopy to treat ureteric stones and the related complications. Materials and Methods: 74 ureteroscopies were studied retrospectively including 62 cases of pelvic ureteric stones. In situ fragmentation was necessary in 28.4% of cases. Success was defined as the absence of stones for one month after ureteroscopy. Success rates were analysed according to size and site of the stone the need for fragmentation and the patient's sex. Results::Morbidity was 6.8%. Success was obtained in 60.8% of cases: 72.7% in women and 55.8% in men. The mean diameter of successfully treated stones was statistically smaller (6.2+/-2.1 mm) than that of stones with a poor result (7.8+/-3.7 mm) (p=0.044, Spearman). Conclusions: The size and site of the stone and the patient's sex influence the results of ureteroscopy. Ureteroscopy for stone disease remains a topical modality after failure of extracorporeal lithotripsy, but also in the case of poor access of an effective lithotriptor.