Can ureteral stones cause pain without causing hydronephrosis?
In patients with ureteral stones and colic, nearly 11 % do not demonstrate any hydronephrosis and a majority (nearly 71 %) will demonstrate only mild hydronephrosis. Stone diameter appears to be related to degree of hydronephrosis, whereas age, gender, and stone location are not. The lower incidence of hydronephrosis for small stones causing renal colic may explain the lower diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound when compared to CT for detecting ureteral stones.
During the observed 6-year period, a significant increase of laparoscopic procedures was observed with more operations being performed as outpatient procedures. The proportion of readmissions and complications did not increase during this time period.