Ureterorenoscopy: factors influencing success

The first 100 patients with ureteric calculi to undergo planned ureteroscopy and lithotripsy were retrospectively studied to evaluate the factors which influenced the success of the procedure. All 75 males and 25 females who underwent this procedure had surgical indications to treat the stones. The factors influencing a successful outcome were studied over four different time frames. It was found that the procedure was more successful in females, and lower ureteric stones. The stone size did not affect the outcome as expected. The learning curve was very evident as increased experience produced higher success rates for ureteric access and lithotripsy, less morbidity, shorter operating time and lower open surgery rates. The introduction of the miniscope and laser lithotripsy was however the most significant factor in ensuring a successful outcome.