Comparison of Ureteroscopic Holmium Laser lithotripsy and ESWL in Treatment of Ureteric Stones

Abstract

The urologists have several options for treating ureteral stones in the range of 8-15mm. Of that range, this study makes a comparison between ESWL and ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy in the treatment of ureteric stone. In spite of that ureteroscopy and ESWL are invasive procedures, still there is controversy which of them is more suitable for treating ureteral stones condition. Study Aim: This study conducts a review to compare the effectiveness, safety and complications of using ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy and ESWL in treating of ureteral stones. Study Methods: Eighty ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy or ESWL-treated patients between April 2016 and April 2017 in Al-Diwaneyah teaching hospital who is having 8–14mm single radiopaque ureteral stone, were assessed. All of the patients in the study sample were subjected to follow-up period of seven months using ultrasonography. Then, comparison was made to identify stone clearance rate, potential complications and cost. Study Results: Results show that There is resemblance in treatment time and stone clearance rate between the two treatments. Generally, the total cost, the procedural time and analgesia requirements and were noticeably variant. Additionally, gross hematuria and renal colic were more frequent with ESWL procedure, while the voiding symptoms show more frequency with ureteroscopy procedure. The two procedures that were applied for the treatment of 8-14mm range ureteral stones proved to be the least invasive and secure.