Outcome of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy For Upper Ureteric Calculi- Experience From North-East Indian City

To evaluate the outcome of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for upper ureteric calculi of size ≤ 20mm without ureteral stenting. This was a prospective study conducted in the institute from January 2015 to August 2015. A total of 130 patients aged between 10 and 80 years with upper ureteric calculi underwent ESWL using the Dornier Compact Sigma Lithotripter. Stone size was calculated by measuring the largest dimension of the stone in KUB plain films. In each session, 3000–3500 shocks at frequency 60–90 per min and intensity between1 and 4 were given. A maximum number of five sessions were given. Successful treatment was defined as complete clearance or residual stones smaller than 4 mm on KUB performed 3 months after the first session. Out of 130 patients, the M:F ratio was 1:1.2. The stone size ranged from 5 to 20 mm. The overall success rate was 94.6%. For stones >15 mm, the success rate was only 77.7%. The number of sessions increases as the stone size increased. The most common complication encountered was haematuria.Our study showed ESWL as a primary modality for less than 20mm upper ureteric stones.