Pneumatic lithotripsy for ureterolithiasis: clinical analysis of 512 cases.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effects of pneumatic lithotripsy (PL) through ureteroscope in the treatment of ureterolithiasis.

Method: The clinical application of rigid ureteroscopy in 512 cases were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: Among the 512 cases, 486 had satisfactory therapeutic effects with the success rate of 94.9%. Failure of ureteroscope insertion occurred in 12 cases, leaving a success rate for the insertion of 97.7% (500/512). During the operations, ureteral stones in 14 cases failed to be eliminated, and the total success rate of PL reached 97.2% (486/500).

Conclusion: The therapeutic effects of PL through ureteroscope were reliable and safe in the treatment of ureteral stones, with rapid postoperative recovery.