The impact of transurethral ureteroscopy on the management of ureteric calculi.

Transurethral ureteroscopy has now been used in an attempt to retrieve ureteric calculi in 48 patients. Six stones were located in the upper ureter, 11 in the middle and 31 in the lower third of the ureter. Successful retrieval was achieved in 27 patients at the first attempt and in 4 at a second ureteroscopy. Of the 17 failures, 7 patients have required open ureterolithotomy, 3 percutaneous nephrolithotomy and the remainder passed their stones either after in situ disintegration or ureteric meatotomy. There have been no serious complications to date. Transurethral ureteroscopy should now be regarded as the procedure of first choice in the management of ureteric calculi.