Objective :To compare the clinical features between ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) combined with application of ureteral occlusion device and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL ) for the treatment of incarcerated upper ureteral calculi . Methods :Eighty-nine patients with unilateral incarcerated upper ureteralcal culi were enrolled ,among whom , 40 cases underwent URSL combined with application of ureteral occlusion device (URSL group) and the other 49 cases underwent PCNL (PCNL group) . The operative time ,intraoperative blood loss ,postoperative complications ,length of hospital stay , medical fees , and achievement rate of operation were compared between the two groups . Results : The operative time , intraoperative blood loss ,length of hospital stay ,and medical fees in URSL group were significantly less than those in PCNL group (P< 0 .05) .However ,no statistically significant difference was observed regarding achievement rate of operation and complications between the two groups (P > 0 .05) .Conclusions :The efficacy of URSL combined with application of ureteral occlusion device for the treatment of incarcerated upper ureteral calculi is similar to that of PCNL ,and URSL shows shorter operative time ,less blood loss ,less surgical trauma ,faster recovery ,lower medical fees and higher safety .