ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Due to the recent trend of performing ureteroscopic removal of stone (URS) for treating upper ureter stones, stone migration into renal pelvis and calices has increased the morbidity and the need for auxillary procedures. The Stone Cone is a device that prevents stone migration during URS. We report here our initial experience of using the Stone Cone during the treatment of upper ureteral stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2005 till May 2005, we treated fifteen consecutive patients who were suffering with upper ureteral stones by using the Stone Cone and performing semi-rigid ureteroscopy and pneumatic lithoclast. Pneumatic lithotripsy was done in 11 patients and the remaining 4 cases were treated by using a stone basket and forceps. RESULTS: The Stone Cone was successfully placed in all 15 cases. In 13 patients, it was placed via cystoscopy under fluroscopic guidance, while 2 patients with 2 impacted stones required ureteroscopic placement. No patients had residual fragments greater than 3mm and they didn't require auxiliary procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The Stone Cone is a new device that prevents stone migration and allows safe extraction of fragments during URS. This study shows that the success rate of URS for proximal ureteral stones was 100% with using the Stone Cone.