When a kidney stone passes into the ureter, it creates a distinct clinical situation that requires a structured management decision — including whether active removal is necessary or a conservative approach is appropriate.
Clinical scenario: A patient with kidney stone disease has a stone located in the ureter. Ureteral stones may present with loin pain, vomiting, or pyrexia, but can also be entirely asymptomatic. Management depends on stone characteristics and the patient's clinical status.
When active removal is not indicated, the initial approach involves periodic observation. For appropriate candidates, medical expulsive therapy using an α-blocker is one of the available treatment options for eligible distal ureteral stones. Additional considerations apply depending on stone type.