Editorial comment : Management of calcular anuria in adults caused by ureteric stones: By using of ureteroscopy and holmium laser

We read with interest this paper on calculus anuria due to ureteric calculi that were treated successfully with primary ureteroscopy and laser fragmentation of stones. Calculus anur- ia has been recognised as a true urological emergency and al- ready decades ago the urgency of surgical decompression of the urinary tract was considered paramount as initial treat- ment. Reports during the 1930s describe and underline the importance of drainage, whether by nephrostomy or ureteric catheterisation [1,2]. A recent series of 66 patients with calculus anuria reported a 7.5% mortality rate, despite having emer- gency decompression of the urinary tract [3]. For almost a cen- tury now the treatment of calculus anuria has consisted of an initially conservative approach either by ureteric stenting or by nephrostomy insertion. Definitive stone treatment was usually delayed until after the acute phase had been resolved.