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Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for ureteral calculi
A Feyaerts1, J Rietbergen, S Navarra
1Department of Urology, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris, France.
European Urology
|January 24, 2002
Summary
Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy offers a safe and effective minimally invasive option for challenging ureteral stones. This approach is valuable when first-line treatments like shockwave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy fail or are unsuitable.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Endourology
Background:
- Ureteral calculi management typically involves shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) or ureteroscopy.
- Surgical ureterolithotomy remains necessary for large, impacted, or treatment-resistant stones.
- Laparoscopy provides a minimally invasive alternative for ureterolithotomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy.
- To assess its role as a primary or salvage treatment for ureteral calculi.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 24 patients (22 men, 2 women) who underwent laparoscopic ureterolithotomy.
- Indications included salvage treatment after failed SWL/ureteroscopy or primary treatment for large stones (median 11.5 mm).
- Procedures utilized retroperitoneal (3) and transperitoneal (21) approaches.
Main Results:
- Successful stone removal in 23 out of 24 patients.
- Mean operative time was 111 minutes (range 45-180 min).
- Hospital stay averaged 3.8 days (range 2-10 days); complications included prolonged ileus and venous thrombosis.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure.
- It allows urologists to maintain a minimally invasive strategy for complex ureteral stone cases.
- This technique is beneficial when first-line treatments fail or are not indicated.