title: Pneumatic lithotripsy for the management of ureteric calculi.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the efficacy of Swiss lithoclast in the management of ureteric calculi and complications encountered in lithoclasty.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Department of Urology, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore (October 1999 - September 2001).
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty ureteric stones (in 20 subjects) were treated over a 2-year period. Site, size and number of stones were noted in these patients. Swiss lithoclast, introduced through a ureteroscope, was used to break the stone. The Lithotripsy time was 30 min. Stone breakage was assessed by plain X-ray KUB or retrograde pyelography.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fragmentation was complete in 90 % cases. At one week follow up, 90% of patients were stone-free and at 3 months follow-up 95 % of patients had spontaneous passage of the fragments. Re-treatment was required in 5% cases. Mean hospital stay was 2.4 days. Complications (including both significant and minor) occurred in 25% of cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lithoclasty is safe, simple and effective procedure for ureteric calculi. However, complications of the procedure may prolong the usual 48 hours hospital stay seen in uncomplicated cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore.
authors.lastname: SanaUllah
authors.forename: Tahir
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kamran
authors.forename: Kashif
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zaheer
authors.forename: Mohammad Saleem
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Akhtar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000628:therapy*