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Management of ureteric calculi during pregnancy by ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ureteric stone treatment by ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy during pregnancy.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
Four pregnant women (mean age 29.5 years, range 27-35) with five episodes of ureteric stones were treated by ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy when the fetus was at 26-35 weeks of gestation. The stones (between 5 and 16 mm in diameter) were located in the proximal (one) or distal ureter (four).


RESULTS
All five stones were removed successfully by ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy. The operating time varied between 15 and 70 min. In two of the five cases, topical anaesthesia was adequate and in no case was fluoroscopy necessary. No complications occurred that could be related to the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy seem, in experienced hands, to be a safe and reliable method in the treatment of ureteric calculi during pregnancy. Most cases can be treated without using fluoroscopy and in some cases the operation can be performed under local anaesthesia.