Radiological Study on the Anatomical Site and Size of Ureteric Calculi: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

ntroduction: Ureteric stones are said to lodge most commonly at the narrowest anatomical areas of the ureter. The site of pain depends on the location of the calculi. Spontaneous passage of ureteric stones is influenced by size, location and laterality of the stones. Aim: To investigate the size and location of ureteric stones. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 72 patients in whom urinary stones were diagnosed by computed tomography between January 2018 and July 2019. The size of the ureteric stones was measured by its maximal width on Computed Tomography (CT) and location of the stones was also determined. The diameter of both the ureters were ascertained at the widest portion. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive data was presented as percentage and mean while comparative analysis was done using Student’s t-test. Results: The average patient age was 41±12.4 years (range, 17- 70 years) affecting 42 (58.33%) males and 30 females (41.77%). The ureteric stones were localized at the VUJ in 30 cases (41%), at the distal ureter in 11 (15%), at the level of external iliac vessel in 3 cases (5%), at the proximal part in 19 (27%) and at the PUJ in 9 cases (12%). Calculi were identified more often on the right ureter (44 cases, 61.2%) than the left (28 cases, 38.8%). The average diameter of the ureter on the right and left was 3.46 mm (range, 1.8-4.7 mm), and 3.33 mm (range, 2.1- 5.5 mm) respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean diameter of the ureteric stones of both the sides at the corresponding levels of the ureter. The smaller the stones, the closer to the VUJ were they located. Conclusion: This study provides an insight into the anatomy of the ureter and would be essential for selection of appropriate line of intervention and treatment modality.