Efficacies of ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy for lower urinary calculi in children

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacies of transurethral ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy (TUPL) for lower urinary calculi in children. Methods From January 2012 to January 2015, 33 children with lower urinary calculi were recruited. There were 32 males and 1 female with an average age of 29 (6-144) months. And 27 cases were aged under 3 years. There were bladder stones (n=17) and urethral calculi (n=16). And urethral calculi were anterior (n=6) and posterior (n=10). The average stone size was 13(8-25) mm. Urological ultrasound and computed tomography revealed no stenosis, congenital malformation or neurogenic bladder. TUPL was applied with a Wolf 6-7.5F ureteroscope of a working channel 4.0F. The postoperative complications and stone recurrence were observed. Results All cases were treated one-time successfully with a stone clearance rate of 100%. The average operative time was26±9 (15-60)rain.There was no onset of urethral stricture, urinary abnormalities or stone recurrence during a follow-up period of 2-24 months. Only 4 cases developed fever over 38℃ at Day 1 post-operation. Conclusions As a first option for lower urinary calculi in children, TUPL offers multiple advantages of greater safety, quicker recovery, mini-invasion and fewer complications. Key words: Urethral calculus; Ureteroscopy; Endoscopic lithotripsy