A urodynamic evaluation of patients with renal, upper and lower ureteric stones.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the urodynamic variables of the patients with renal, upper and lower ureteric stones and compare the results according to the location of the stone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pre-operatively, 49 patients with kidney, upper and lower ureteric stones were evaluated to determine bladder capacity, compliance and urine volume at first sensation. Patients with urinary tract infection, neurogenic pathology and bladder outlet obstruction were excluded. The patients were divided into two groups; 20 patients with kidney and upper ureteric stones and 29 patients with lower ureteric stones.

RESULTS: The mean bladder compliance, bladder capacity and volume at first sensation were all significantly lower in patients with lower ureteric stones (P = 0.026, P = 0.005 and P = 0.042, respectively). These patients also had more prominent irritative symptoms, urgency and frequency. However, the mean values of bladder capacity, compliance and volume at first sensation were within normal limits in both groups.

CONCLUSION: Lower ureteric stones cause more irritative bladder symptoms than do renal and upper ureteric stones and lower ureteric stones should be considered as a possible cause of sensory urgency.