Patient's question:
What should I do if there is a stone at the ureteral transition? 12mm-9mmDoctor's answer:
Hello: Ureteral stones measuring 12mm-9mm can be easily diagnosed through clinical ultrasound. Generally, kidney stones that fall into the ureter are diagnosed as ureteral stones. They often cause ureteral obstruction, leading to renal pelvis dilation and hydronephrosis. If ureteral stones causing obstruction are not removed promptly, it may result in kidney damage or failure. In the early stages, it often presents with lower back pain and severe renal colic, causing great distress to the patient. Lower and middle ureteral stones can reflect pain in the penis, testicles, and perineum. Accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.The recommended first choice for stone removal treatment is the non-invasive extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) - [Registration Number: Yu Food and Drug Administration (Approval) 2012 No. 2260216]. Early treatment is highly effective, with stones typically passing within 1-3 hours, requiring no hospitalization and allowing patients to leave immediately.
First, it should be noted that extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a non-invasive, innovative stone removal device and technology. Unlike extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, the principles of these two devices are entirely different. The advantage of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy lies in its lack of organ damage, thorough stone removal, minimal pain for patients, and ease of acceptance. In contrast, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy causes organ damage and is more painful.
The extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy technology employs high-frequency superconducting fluid dynamic shock wave three-dimensional integrated stone removal technology, assisted by large digital ultrasound for precise positioning. It features accurate positioning, rapid stone removal, and is particularly effective for bile duct stones, ureteral stones, allowing immediate discharge after treatment. It is especially effective for removing (sand-like stones) from intrahepatic bile ducts. The most prominent feature of this device is its user-friendly operability, thorough stone removal for various types, broad applicability, minimal side effects on the body, painless treatment process, no need for hospitalization, and low treatment costs, making it highly acceptable to patients. It is a reliable, effective, simple, and practical treatment device with unique equipment and technological advantages. Therefore, it is currently the best choice for treating various types of stones.
The non-invasive extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is the optimal choice for kidney and ureteral stones under 10mm. Generally, after several treatments, stones can be completely removed. For larger stones, the principle of first crushing and then removing the stones can be applied to achieve complementary advantages. However, for ureteral stones, it is necessary to wait 3-5 days after the stone and local ureteral congestion and edema subside before treatment. Generally, stones are relatively easy to remove.
With the widespread use of ultrasound, the diagnosis of ureteral stones is now more timely and easier. Small stones entering the ureter are usually detected early, providing the best conditions for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy treatment. For stones that have been lodged in the ureter for a long time, it is difficult to remove them without surgical or ureteroscopy procedures. At the same time, it is more important to provide patients with the latest measures for early stone removal to avoid excessive treatment methods that cause significant organ damage, poor efficacy, pain, and high costs.
The indications and scope of treatment for the non-invasive extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy are as follows:
(1) For various kidney and ureteral stones less than 1.2cm in diameter, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy should be the first choice for stone removal. It causes no kidney damage, ensures thorough stone removal, is safe and painless, and avoids the side effects of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. If the stone diameter exceeds 1.2cm, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy should be used first to crush the stone, followed by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for thorough removal, achieving complementary advantages.
(2) This device is particularly suitable for acute ureteral stones and the resulting renal pelvis hydronephrosis, renal pelvis dilation, ureteral hydronephrosis, ureteral dilation, and renal colic. It can quickly remove ureteral stones, relieve immediate pain, and rapidly alleviate symptoms, making it the preferred treatment for ureteral stones.
(3) For patients with multiple kidney stones on the same side combined with ureteral stones, the ureteral stones should be removed first, followed by the removal of multiple kidney stones, to prevent the formation of a "stone street" in the ureter.
(4) For large kidney stones treated with ESWL, the small residual stones in the lower pole of the kidney, renal pelvis, and calyces are the optimal candidates for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. This is because the handheld high-frequency superconducting shock wave transducer can directly touch the stones in the lower pole of the kidney, move them into the renal pelvis and ureter, and remove them from the body.
(5) For the treatment of various types of stones due to urinary tract infections leading to pyelonephritis, ureteritis, cystitis, prostatitis, urethritis, etc., due to inflammatory congestion and swelling of the mucosa affecting stone removal, antibiotic anti-inflammatory treatment must be administered first. Stone removal treatment with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can only be performed after inflammation subsides.
(6) Generally, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy requires 1-3 treatments to completely remove stones, with a duration of 5-7 days. Patients in good physical condition can undergo continuous treatments, while those with poorer health may need to be treated once every other day. If patients have poor urinary function or infections, the hospitalization period may be longer.
According to clinical observations, Professor Chen Bangjing believes that extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is the leading new technology for treating stones both domestically and internationally. It is the preferred method for treating kidney stones, ureteral stones (which generally pass within two hours), gallstones, and extrahepatic bile duct stones. With its completely thorough stone removal, no organ damage, and low cost, it benefits a vast number of patients. For stones beyond the scope of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy should be performed first, followed by stone removal. For large kidney cast stones and gallstones, surgical removal is recommended upon discovery.
If you need treatment, please contact me or communicate online. Thank you for your cooperation. Professor Chen of Zhoukou Bayi Expert Clinic wishes you a speedy recovery.