Different therapeutic options for treating ureteral stones. Introduction

Abstract

Technological development of lithotriptors has made extracorporeal treatment of stones possible in all parts of the ureter. Therapeutic indication, however, should be based on factors such as dimension, seat, nature and permanence of the stone, technological equipment and specific competence of the operators. Basically there is general agreement over extracorporeal treatment as first choice for ureteral lumbar stones. It is stili controversial, however, for other compartments, in particular the distai one, especially given the undoubted success of ureteroscopy. To free patients of stones, the best treatment would be without anesthesia, with low morbidity and low cost – a method that is not yet available despite significant progress having been made over the last few years.