Ureteroscopy has been used widely to remove urethral calculi, especially distal ureter stones. In this study we tried to evaluate the exact role of ureteroscopic manipulation for ureter stones in the era of ESWL. We report our experience on performing ureteroscopic removal of ureteral calculi without anesthesia. Between August 1994 and August 1996, ureteroscopy was performed in 62 cases without anesthesia. We examined the feasibility of performing ureteroscopy under sedation only. Age distribution was 17~71 years old (mean 49.3). Overall success rate was 91.9% (57 cases among 62 cases). The success rates according to sex were 92.9% in male and 91.2% in female. The success rates according to location were 100% in proximal ureter, 83.3% in middle ureter and 92.6% in distal ureter. The success rates according to size were 92.7% in < or =10 mm and 85.7% in >10 mm stone patients. We could not find any statistical meaning about the success rates according to sex, location and size (p>0.05). In 7 cases the procedure were performed at outpatient department. Mean duration of hospitalization (in 55 cases) was 3.83 days. The associated complication rate was relatively low (8.1%), with most patients being treated conservatively. We conclude that ureteroscopy, when performed without general or regional anesthesia, does not increase the risk of complications or compromise the results of treatment. So we recommend ureteroscopy without anesthesia as a primary choice in the manipulation of urethral calculi.
Age Distribution ; Anesthesia* ; Anesthesia, Conduction ; Calculi ; Female ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Male ; Outpatients ; Ureter* ; Ureteral Calculi* ; Ureteroscopy