Comparative study of pulsed dye laser and pneumatic lithotripters for transurethral ureterolithotripsy.
BACKGROUND
Clinical effectiveness and safety of the Swiss Lithoclast (Lithoclast) and the Candela MDL-2000 (MDL) in the treatment of lower ureteral stone were examined retrospectively.


METHODS
Eighty-six stones from 66 patients and 26 stones from 20 patients were treated by Lithoclast and MDL, respectively.


RESULTS
The stone-free rate on 3-month follow-up was 97% and 95% for the Lithoclast and MDL, respectively (no significant difference). The operation time was significantly shorter for the Lithoclast than for the MDL (90.2+/-50.2 vs 120.4+/-55.1 min; P<0.05). Postoperative analgesics were required significantly less frequently in Lithoclast (10/66 vs 11/20; P<0.01). Postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter for Lithoclast (8.7+/-5.1 vs 12.1+/-4.2 days; P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Swiss Lithoclast is an effective and less invasive modality for endoscopic treatment of lower ureteral stones.
Nutahara
K
K
Department of Urology, Kyorin University, School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. kinuta@kyorin-u.ac.jp
Kato
M
M
Miyata
A
A
Murata
A
A
Okegawa
T
T
Miura
I
I
Kojima
M
M
Higashihara
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017602:Lithotripsy, Laser / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000628:therapy*; D018666:Ureteroscopy / Q000379:methods*