Ureterorenoscopy in the Treatment of Ureteral Stones (with 2 color plates)

Ureterorenoscopy rendered the endoscopic removal of ureteroliths possible. Big distal ureteroliths which do not pass spontaneously and for which ureterolithotomy is unavoidable, are treated by means of ureterorenoscopy which makes ultrasonic disintegration or stone extraction with a Dormia loop possible, and this under optical control too. The different techniques and strategies are presented. In animal experiments alterations of the urothelium after exposure to ultrasound were examined. There is the possibility to combine ureterorenoscopy with the percutaneous method of litholapaxy or ESWL when treating ureteroliths in the upper part of the ureter which do not pass spontaneously.