Application of integrated flexible and rigid ureterorenoscope in upper ureter or renal pelvis stones

Abstract

Objective To study the efficacy and safety of the integrated flexible and rigid ureterorenoscope in the treatment of upper ureter or renal pelvis stones. Methods The clinical data of 48 patients with upper ureter or renal pelvis stones were retrospectively analyzed between January 2015 and July 2017. Twenty-five cases were treated with integrated flexible and rigid ureterorenoscope(integrated group), while 23 cases were treated with minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy lithotripsy(mPCNL group). The operative effect and safety of both groups were compared. Results In the integrated group, stone finding rate was 96% and 100% in the mPCNL group. The blood loss of the integrated group was (6.83±2.60)mL lower than that of the mPCNL group (75.57±18.85)mL (P 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between the two groups. Conclusions The integrated flexible and rigid ureterorenoscope is safe and effective in the treatment of the upper ureter and renal pelvis stones. With a high stone clearance rate, it can achieve the similar clear stone effect of mPCNL. Compared with mPCNL, the integrated flexible and rigid ureterorenoscope has less bleeding, shorter operative time, lower cost of treatment, faster recovery after surgery, less complications, with broad prospects for the use. Key words: Ureteral Calculi; Kidney Calculi; Ureteroscopy; Lasers, Solid-State