Ureteroscopy for proximal ureteral calculi: prevention of stone migration

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Endourology
• Nephrolithiasis Management

Background:

• Proximal ureteral calculi migration is a common cause of ureteroscopy failure.
• Effective strategies are needed to prevent stone displacement during ureteroscopic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a balloon on a wire device in preventing proximal ureteral stone migration.
• To assess the impact of this device on ureteroscopic success rates and the need for secondary procedures.

Main Methods:

• A balloon on a wire device, a 0.038-inch hollow guidewire with a low-profile inflatable balloon, was used.
• Forty-two consecutive patients with proximal ureteral calculi underwent ureteroscopy utilizing this device.

Main Results:

• Successful placement of the balloon on a wire above the stone was achieved in 29 patients.
• Of these 29 patients, 26 (89.7%) became stone-free with a single ureteroscopic procedure.

Conclusions:

• The balloon on a wire is an effective tool for preventing proximal ureteral stone migration during ureteroscopy.
• This device can minimize the number of secondary procedures required for ureteral calculi treatment.
• The balloon on a wire device appears to be a cost-effective adjunct for ureteroscopic stone removal.