Abstract

  Purpose：We evaluated the efficacy of flexible transurethral ureterolithotripsy（TUL）for renal stones larger than 2 cm.
  Methods：We retrospectively identified patients who underwent TUL, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy（SWL）, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy（PNL）from January 2005 to July 2011 for renal stones larger than 2 cm.
  Results：A total of 25, 42, and 11 patients underwent TUL, SWL, and PNL, respectively. In the TUL group, the mean number of procedures was 1.5, stone-free rate was 88.0%, and complication rate was 28.0%. In the SWL group, the mean number of procedures was 4.5, stone-free rate was 35.7%, and complication rate was 35.7%. In the PNL group, the mean number of procedures was 1.4, stone-free rate was 45.5%, and complication rate was 45.5%.
  Conclusion：TUL is a reasonable option for renal stones larger than 2 cm.