C. De Carne

Dornier Lithotripter S. The first 50 treatments in our department.

Introduction: We assessed the short-term efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy with the Dornier Lithotripter S in the treatment of renal and ureteral stones. Materials and Methods: Between February and April 2003, 32 renal and 19 ureteral stones were treated. Patients were evaluated 1 and 3 months afterwards. Stone size and location, total number of shockwaves and the stone-free rate were taken into consideration. Results: The stone-free rate for ureteral stones was 63% at 1 month and 84.2% at 3 months. The stone-free rate for renal calculi was 75% at 1 month and 87.5% at 3 months. The overall stone-free rate was 70.6% at 1 month and 86.3% at 3 months. Analgesia was necessary in 12 patients (23.5%). No serious complications were seen, except for one steinstrasse. Conclusions: The Dornier Lithotripter S is very effective in the treatment of renal and ureteral calculi.

Urological concerns: Should trans-urethral catheter be located over or under the thigh?

INTRODUCTION Bladder catheterization is a common practice after several surgical procedures; a wrong trans-urethral catheter position can affect the outcomes of some urological maneuvers. We assess with a physical model the variation of intra-vesical pressures due to different locations of the catheter. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a plastic bag fulfilled with 5l of normal saline, we try to reproduce bladder condition assessing pressures in case of catheter located over or under the thigh. RESULTS In case of catheter over the thigh, the flow of liquid is not allowed, and only a pressure of 23 cm of water induces the passage of fluid. CONCLUSION A wrong catheter position may adversely affect intravesical pressures; this finding has to be taken into consideration, especially when dealing with post-urological surgery catheterization.