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Point-of-Care Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: June 21, 2024
Routine radiologic surveillance for obstruction is not required in asymptomatic patients after ureteroscopy
J W Karod1, J Danella, J J Mowad
1Department of Urology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania 17822, USA.
Journal of Endourology
|September 9, 1999
Summary
Routine postoperative imaging is unnecessary for asymptomatic patients after ureteroscopy. Ureteral obstruction typically presents with flank pain, indicating the need for evaluation. This finding aids in managing post-procedure surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Ureteroscopy is a common procedure for treating ureteral stones.
- Postoperative surveillance strategies aim to detect complications like ureteral obstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the necessity of routine radiologic studies after ureteroscopy.
- To determine if asymptomatic patients require postoperative imaging for obstruction detection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 183 patients undergoing ureteroscopy (1989-1993).
- Analysis of 131 patients who had postoperative radiologic studies for ureteral obstruction.
Main Results:
- No asymptomatic patients showed obstruction on routine follow-up imaging.
- Ureteral obstruction was identified in 16% of patients with flank pain post-procedure.
- One case (0.8%) of ureteral stricture was noted after full-thickness ureteral injury.
Conclusions:
- Routine postoperative radiologic evaluation is not indicated for asymptomatic patients following ureteroscopy.
- Flank pain is a reliable indicator of postoperative ureteral obstruction.
- Patients with intraoperative ureteral perforation may warrant closer monitoring for stricture risk.
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