Treatment Options
Ultrasonic Lithotripsy

Ultrasonic lithotriptors are very effective in treating large stones. Fragmentation and suction of stone particles occur simultaneously. The large size of these probes requires passage through large, rigid endoscopes.

Advantages of Ultrasonic Lithotripsy

1. Easy to use
2. Results are excellent with stone free rates of 95-100%
3. This is an excellent modality for percutaneous stone removal

Disadvantages of Ultrasonic Lithotripsy

1. Ultrasonic lithotripsy may cause movement of the stone or fragments in the ureter
2. Continuous irrigation is necessary to offset the heat generated by the devise
3. Because the ultrasound requires a relatively large, rigid instrument, most stones treated are limited to the lower ureter.

Suggested readings
Grocela JA, Dretler SP. Intracorporeal lithotripsy: Instrumentation and development. Urol Clin North Am 1997, 24:1:13-23.

Blute ML, Segura JW, Patterson DE: Ureteroscopy. J Urol 1998; 139:510-512.

Harmon WJ, Sershon PD, Blute ML, et al: Ureteroscopy: Current practice and long-term complications. J Urol 1997: 157:28-32.