The use of a lithoclast probe for ureterorenoscopic coagulation of bleeding ureteral cancer.

PURPOSE: We describe use of the lithoclast device, normally used for electrohydraulic stone fragmentation, for safe ureteroscopic intraureteral coagulation of a bleeding tumor.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Intraureteral ureteroscopic coagulation of a bleeding transitional cell carcinoma was performed in an 86-year-old high risk patient. A 0.8 mm. probe of the lithoclast device was connected to high frequency current. To avoid short circuit to the ureteroscope the probe was covered with a standard 5Fr ureteral catheter, which served as a perfect isolator.

RESULTS

The bleeding intraureteral tumor was coagulated successfully under direct vision.

CONCLUSIONS

The lithoclast probe in combination with a standard ureteral catheter can be used for intraureteral coagulation of bleeding tumors. It is an inexpensive device that is often available in nonuniversity departments.