Abstract
Background: Several factors must be kept in mind in to decide the best treatment for patients with renal or ureteral calculi. The factors can be categorized in 4 groups based on: stone factors (size, location, duration, composition, and presence of obstruction); clinical factors (severity of symptom, expectations of patients, associated factors as infection, obesity, hypertension and preexisting kidney disease); anatomic factors (ureteropelvic junction obstruction and renal ectopia); and technical factors (such as equipment which are available, expertise and cost).
Methodology: We conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE, January 1985, through February 2017. The following search terms were used: ureteral calculi, diagnosis of urolithiasis, medical management of ureteral calculi, ureteral calculi intervention
Aim: Our aim in this review was to study the most effective ways of diagnosis ureteral calculi, and also study the best approach to treating it.
Conclusion: There is a shift away from noninvasive shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) in favor of more invasive ureteroscopic options due to the recent advances made in ureteroscopic technology, intracorporeal lithotripsy probes and extraction devices. Simultaneously, the trend in ESWL technology tends to be less expensive, with higher mobility, and more compact, however less powerful. Regardless, the best modality for management is still debatable. The best management of choice depends on factors like stone size and location, the experience of the operators', preference of patient, equipment availability, and costs.