Comparison of flexible ureterorenoscopy and retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy in management of proximal ureteric stones greater than 15mm

Abstract

Objectives To examine the outcomes and compare the the stone clearence and complications rates of Flexible Ureterorenoscopy(F-URS) and Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy (RUL)in patients with proximal ureteral stones larger than 15mm in diameter. Methods The data of 140 patients with proximal ureteral stones who underwent F-URS and RUL between January 2010 and March 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Of them, 60 patients underwent F-URS while 80 patients were performed by RUL.Each group was compared in terms of the success rate, operation time, stone-free status, symptom-free status, blood loss, mean postoperative hospital stays and postoperative complications. Results There was no statistical difference between the groups for success rate, stone-free status and symptom-free status(P<0.05). Conclusions F-URS and RUL are both effective and reliable in the treatment of proximal ureteral stones. However, when considering the short operational and hospitalization times and the management of situations that require secondary interventions, we suggest that F-URS, as a minimally invasive method, may be the first choice in the treatment of proximal ureteral stones. Key words: Ureteral Calculi; Lithotripsy, Laser; Lasers, Solid-State