title: Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy: the Edinburgh experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review our experience with laparoscopic ureterolithotomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Since 1993, we have performed laparoscopic ureterolithotomy in 14 patients with ureteric stones. Laparoscopy was carried out in nine patients as a salvage procedure after failed ureteroscopy (six), shock wave lithotripsy (two), or both (one), and in five patients as a primary procedure for large stones (mean 27.2 mm, range 18-40). Patients in the former group had already undergone a mean of 1.88 procedures (range 1-4). Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy was carried out via a transperitoneal approach. Associated ureteric strictures were incised at the time of ureterotomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All procedures were completed laparoscopically and all patients were rendered stone-free after a single procedure. The mean operative duration was 105 min. Ureteric strictures were incised in three patients, in two of whom dilatation was subsequently required; all three had a successful result. There were three minor complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy can be a safe and effective procedure; it should be considered as a primary procedure for large mid- and upper ureteric stones.
authors.affiliation: Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK. keeleys@wot99.freeserve.co.uk
authors.forename: F X
authors.initials: FX
authors.lastname: Keeley
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gialas
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pillai
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chrisofos
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Tolley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000601:surgery*; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000601:surgery; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*