title: Use of internal polyethylene ureteral stents in extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy of staghorn calculi.
abstract: Ureteral stenting during extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) of complete staghorn calculi, using an internal polyethylene pigtail catheter, was found to be an efficient prophylactic measure against the high rate of complications in these cases. In the presence of a ureteral stent the stone fragments passed more easily into the bladder, accumulation of obstructing stone streets was prevented, and internal drainage of the urine was guaranteed. The need for auxiliary measures such as percutaneous nephrostomy, ureteroscopy or ureteral meatotomy was prevented in most cases. This prophylactic measure may turn ESWL to become the primary treatment of large staghorn calculi.
mesh_terms: D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000379:methods*; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D014513:Ureter; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D011095:Polyethylenes