Indications, outcome and complications of ureteroscopy, at Gezira Hospital for renal diseases and surgery, Sudan: a seven years ‘experience

Abstract

Background: Ureteroscopy (rigid and flexible) with irrigating and working channels have expanded the capability of the urologist to diagnose and treat most abnormalities of the upper tracts. Objective: This study was conducted as a part of holistic auditing to the services provided by Gezira Hospital for Renal Disease and Surgery (GHRD&S), and specifically to evaluate ureteroscopy done in GHRD&S with emphasis on the indications, outcome and complications. Methods: Across-sectional- hospital-based study was adopted. All patients who underwent ureteroscopy since the inauguration of the hospital from 2005-2011 were included. Results: The total number of patients satisfying the inclusion criteria was 472 with a mean age of 40.6 years. Male to female ratio was 1.46:1. The mean hospital stay was 2.74 days.The commonest indication for ureteroscopy was ureteric stone amounting (74%) to a tangible share of ureteric stenting or removal as indication were found in (56.8%) . and therapeutic ureteroscopy for (92.3%). Ureteric stricture was not uncommon (24%). The success rate of therapeutic ureteroscopy was (93.7%) with definite correlation to the site of pathology been (91.75%), (92.3 %) and (87.5%) for the lower, mid and upper ureter respectively. The complications recorded were bleeding (3.3%), penetration (2.5 %), post-operative colic (13%) and infection (0.4%). Mortality rate was zero Conclusion: Because the experience of ureteroscopy in GHRD&S was auspiced by regular training from the SIU the outcome is really comparable to the literature. Keywords: Ureteroscopy, Gezira Hospital for Renal Disease and Surgery, Wad Medani, Success and safety