Treatment of upper ureteral calculi with intercept stone network combined with holmium: YAG laser lithotripsy under ureteroscopy

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment of upper ureteral calculi with intercept stone network combined with holmium: YAG lithotripsy under ureteroscopy. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of 58 patients(36 males and 22 females,with an average age of 47.2 years) with upper ureteral calculi, who were treated with intercept stone network combined with holmium: YAG laser lithotripsy under ureteroscopy.The width of calculus ranges from 3 to 23 mm,and the length 3 to 25 mm. Results The success rate of fragmenta tion in a single procedure was 93.1 % (54/58 ). The calculi retrograded to renal in 2 cases. 1 case converted to open surgery because the upper ureter twisted. Operations in 1 case had to be changed to PCNL, because the zebra urological guidewire can not reach the upper ureter. The operation time was 25～90 min,and the mean operative time was 37.4 min. The postoperative hospital stay was 3～11 d,and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.7 d. Only 2cases had urinary infection. No severe complications such as ureteral perforation were seen in this operation. Conclusions The treatment of upper ureteral calculi with intercept stone network combined with holmium laser lithotripsy under ureteroscopy is safe and effective, and the intercept stone network is an effective tool that blocks the upward movement of the stone and aids in safe stone removal. This therapeutic method and tool are worth recommending in clinical practice. Key words: Ureteral calculi; Holmium; Lithotripsy Laser