Managing Ureteric Calculi with Obstruction and Hydronephrosis in Rural Areas

By: Dr. J. Gnanaraj and Dr. Nandakumar Menon

INTRODUCTION

Ureteric calculi are common and present often to the rural surgeon. The incidence is about 200 per 100,000 population and the trend is that it is increasing [1]. The increasing trend is also observed in the western countries and the incidence is more in men [2]. The increase is similar in Asian countries too [3] and is attributed to the changes in dietary habits and climate change.

They present with ureteric colic and often are associated with hydroureteronephrosis. The presence of pain and hydroureteronephrosis implies that the rural surgeon has to treat the patient and does not have time to refer the patient to an urban center.

The following are some of the guidelines for rural surgeons with sufficient knowledge to put in a DJ stent.

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