DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i03.015

Pages: 407-412

Background: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a well-established, minimally invasive treatment for upper ureteric stones. The role of routine pre-ESWL JJ stenting remains controversial, particularly for stones ≤2 cm. Objective: To compare the treatment outcomes of ESWL in patients with upper ureteric stones managed with and without JJ stent placement. Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital from January 2011 to June 2012. Sixty-two patients with unilateral radio-opaque upper ureteric stones (1.5–2 cm) were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (ESWL with JJ stent, n=31) and Group B (ESWL without JJ stent, n=31). Outcomes assessed included number of ESWL sessions and stone clearance rate. Results: The two groups were comparable in age and sex distribution (p>0.05). The mean age was 36.9±11.0 years in the stented group and 35.4±11.3 years in the non-stented group. The number of ESWL sessions required did not differ significantly between groups (p>0.05). Stone clearance was achieved in 74.2% of patients in the stented group and 80.6% in the non-stented group, which was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: ESWL is an effective primary treatment for upper ureteric stones ≤2 cm. Routine JJ stenting before ESWL does not improve stone clearance or reduce the number of treatment sessions.