The use of intracorporeal lithotripsy for the management of larger ureteral and intrarenal calculi has dramatically improved. Although the choice of intracorporeal fragmentation is frequently based on the location and composition of the stone to be treated, the experience of the clinician and availability of equipment often dictates this decision. Several different modalities of intracorporeal lithotripsy are currently available. Ultrasonic lithotripsy is mainly used for the fragmentation of large renal calculi during percutaneous nephrolithotripsy procedures. Ultrasound is used rarely via an ureteroscopic approach. Significant advances in laser fibres and power generation systems have propelled laser lithotripsy to the treatment of choice for fragmentation of most ureteral stones. Pneumatic lithotripsy consists of a pneumatically driven piston which will fragment stones by direct contact.
The analysis of late postoperative complications after treatment of ureteral stones using ureteroscopy and contact ultrasonic lithotripsy