title: The management of ureteric calculi without extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a relatively new technological adjunct in the treatment of renal calculi, but availability is limited.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of ureteroscopic procedures in a unit without on-site ESWL facility.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study of all cases of ureteric calculi presenting to this hospital during the period 1991 to 1997 was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and thirty five patients with a mean age of 46.8 years were evaluated. Ninety-four (69.5%) had their stone successfully manipulated and/or extracted at ureteroscopy. Using strict criteria, 41 patients (30.5%) had failed ureteroscopies. Fourteen (10.4%) suffered complications related to their ureteroscopy, thirteen had their complications treated conservatively and three (2.3%) needed open procedures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ureteroscopy has a high success rate and low morbidity. We continue to advocate ureteroscopy in the initial management of ureteric calculi.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin.
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: O'Toole
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Quinlan
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000601:surgery*; D018666:Ureteroscopy