Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Versus Ureteroscopy for Upper Ureteric Stones

This single-centre, randomized, parallel-group controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Urology, Federal Postgraduate Medical Institute, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. The objective was to compare the treatment efficacy and short-term safety of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) with semirigid ureteroscopy (URS) in patients presenting with an upper ureteric stone.

A total of 100 participants aged 18-75 years were enrolled. Eligible participants had a single unilateral upper ureteric stone located above the sacroiliac joint. The stone was confirmed on non-contrast computed tomography of the kidneys, ureters and bladder, measured less than 10 mm in maximum diameter and had a density of 1000 Hounsfield units or less. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio by lottery, with 50 participants assigned to each treatment group.

Participants assigned to ESWL were treated using the MODULITH SLX-F2 lithotripter. Shock waves were delivered at a rate of 60-120 shocks per minute, with an energy setting of 1-9 kV and approximately 2500-3000 shocks per session. Each session lasted approximately 30-60 minutes. A maximum of three sessions was permitted, with an interval of at least 48 hours between successive sessions.

Participants assigned to URS underwent semirigid ureteroscopy under general anesthesia using a 6.5-7.5 Fr semirigid ureteroscope. Stones were fragmented using the Swiss LithoClast Master pneumatic lithotripsy system with a 1-1.2 Fr probe. Stone fragments were removed using a Dormia basket or grasping forceps when required. A double-J ureteric stent was inserted in every participant undergoing URS and was subsequently removed according to clinical assessment.

The primary outcome was complete stone clearance, assessed using non-contrast computed tomography four weeks after completion of the assigned treatment. Complete stone clearance was defined as the absence of any residual stone or stone fragment in the ipsilateral kidney or ureter. A participant requiring an additional stone-removal procedure before the four-week assessment was classified as having treatment failure.

Secondary outcomes included the number of ESWL sessions required, pain relief, immediate procedure-related complications and complications occurring during the four-week follow-up period.