Abstract

Objective: The prevalence of urinary system stone disease is 1-13% worldwide with a steady increase parallel to the increasing modern life style. Turkey is among the countries where the disease is endemic. In this study adequacy of technical equipment used in diagnosis and treatment of ureteral stone along with treatment approaches were evaluated. 

Materials and methods: A total of 106 urology residents and specialists practicing in 10 different urology departments of training hospitals in Istanbul were asked to fill a questionnaire to evaluate the adequacy of necessary equipment and the treatment approaches in terms of diagnosis and treatment of ureteral calculi. 

Results: More than 6 patients per month have been evaluated by the 78% of physicians participated to the study. All physicians had rigid ureterorenoscope and pneumatic lithotriptor in their clinics. While plain radiography of urinary system was the inital imaging choice for 63% of these physicians for patients with renal colic; 14% of them stated that they have to use a different imaging technique other than they aimed due to technical availability. For medical expulsive treatment 90% of the doctors were using alpha-blockers among which tamsulosin was the most commonly preferred one.

Conclusion: Technical systems necessary for an efficient ureteral stone management seems to be adequate in clinics of physicians involved in this study. Answers given to questions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of ureteral stones were generally compatible with the existing literature data.