Introduction and Objectives
To evalute efficiency and reliability of ureteroscopy in the management of pediatric ureteral stones.
Material and Methods
A retrospective review was performed for patients (31 male, 30 female) at median age 8.1 years (range, 6 months-16 years) who underwent rigid ureteroscopy between August 1998-March 2009. 7.5 Fr-9 Fr rigid ureteroscopy was performed to 66 cases in 61 patients, thus, 5 patients were bilateral. Stone localizations were 7 in proximal, 9 in middle and 50 in distal ureter.
Results
Average stone size was 8.22 mm (range, 4–20). Average operation time was 32.65 minutes (range, 15–100). No hydroureteronephrosis was detected in 15 cases where minimal hydroureteronephrosis was detected in 14, moderate in 16 and severe in 21 cases. In 31 cases, stones were extracted by basket catheter and pneumatic lithotriptor was used in 35 cases. Initial ureteral balloon dilatation was performed to 5 cases. Double J (DJ) catheter was inserted in 36 patients. In 2 patients postoperative high fever occured and hospitalization time became longer. In 56 cases (84.8%), all of the stones were extracted with success. In one case which we could not get into ureter, stone was taken out with ureteroscopy after antegrade DJ catheter insertion. Secondary ureteroscopy was performed to 3 cases and ESWL to 5 cases as an additional treatment in which stones migrated to kidney.
Conclusions
Ureteroscopy in pediatric patients is not as easy as in adult patients, however, after a learning period, it is effective and safe. Surgeons have to pay more attention and use suitable equipments.
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Copyright
© 2009 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
