[Treatment of ureteral stones by ESWL. Indications and results in 201 cases].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the results of treatment of ureteric stones by ESWL as a function of various parameters, size, site and number of stones treated, in order to more precisely define the indications and consequently improve our results. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was based on 201 patients treated by ESWL for ureteric stones. The stones were situated in the lumbar ureter in 151 cases (73.6%) and in the pelvic ureter in 50 cases (26.4%). The size of the treated stones was less than 1 cm in 63.6% of cases and between 1 and 2 cm in 36.4% of cases. Treatment was performed by a Chinese hydroelectric lithotriptor with fluoroscopic and ultrasonographic detection, the ZM III. RESULTS The results of treatment were not influenced by the site (lumbar or pelvic) of the stone and a good result (fragmentation and complete elimination of the stone) was obtained in 67.6% of cases. However, the difference of the results according to the size of the stone was statistically significant (p < 0.05), with a good result in 75.6% of cases when the stone diameter was less than 1 cm and 55.5% of cases when the stone diameter was greater than 1 cm. CONCLUSION ESWL remains the first-line treatment for ureteric stones regardless of their site with better results for radiopaque stones less than 1 cm in diameter. An endoscopic procedure (double J stent) can be proposed before ESWL in some cases, such as solitary kidney or large stones, to decrease the complications.