Pneumatic ballistic lithotripsy via outer sheath of resectoscope by optimized water flow in the treatment of bladder calculi: Report of 31 cases

Objective To introduce a new technique and evaluate the effect of pneumatic ballistic lithotripsy via outer sheath of resectoscope by optimized water flow in the treatment of bladder calculi. Methods Thirty-one patients with bladder calculi were enrolled into the study from June 2009 to September 2011. By improving the way of water flow, they were treated with pneumatic ballistic lithotripsy via outer sheath of resectoscope. Results All the bladder calculi were removed by one session. No severe postoperative complications such as bladder perforation and water intoxication occurred. No recurrance or urethral stricture was observed after 6-20 months follow-up. Conclusions Treatment of bladder calculi with pneumatic ballistic lithotripsy via outer sheath of resectoscope is safe and effective with few complications and worths recommendation in clinical practise.