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Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
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Published on: November 22, 2019

Minimally invasive treatment of ureteral calculi in children

Mustafa Ozgur Tan1, Ustunol Karaoglan, Sinan Sozen

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. mozgurtan@yahoo.com

Urological Research
|November 9, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is effective for pediatric ureteral stones, especially smaller ones. Ureteroscopy offers a high success rate for lower ureteral calculi, including SWL failures.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Urology
  • Endourology
  • Nephrolithiasis Treatment

Background:

  • Ureteral calculi in children present a significant clinical challenge.
  • Treatment options for pediatric ureteral stones include shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), ureteroscopy, and open surgery.
  • Evaluating the comparative efficacy of these modalities is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To retrospectively analyze the efficacy of SWL and ureteroscopy in treating pediatric ureteral calculi.
  • To identify factors influencing treatment success rates in children with ureteral stones.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 67 children (71 ureters) treated for ureteral calculi between 1990 and 2005.
  • Analysis of initial treatment methods: SWL (80.3%), ureteroscopy (11.3%), and open surgery (8.5%).
  • Assessment of stone-free rates based on treatment modality, stone location, diameter, and burden.

Main Results:

  • Overall stone-free rates were 75.4% for SWL, 93.3% for ureteroscopy, and 100% for open surgery.
  • SWL stone-free rates varied by location: 74.1% (upper), 100% (middle), 75.9% (lower).
  • Increased stone diameter and burden adversely affected SWL success; ureteroscopy achieved a 93.3% stone-free rate for lower ureteral calculi, including SWL failures.

Conclusions:

  • SWL can be a suitable initial treatment for most pediatric ureteral calculi, contingent on stone burden.
  • Ureteroscopy demonstrates high efficacy for lower ureteral calculi, serving as an effective salvage therapy after SWL failure.

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