Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy: minimally invasive second line treatment
Costantino Leonardo1, Giuseppe Simone, Papalia Rocco
1Department of Urology, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Via soverato 36, Rome, Italy. costantino.leonardo@gmail.com
International Urology and Nephrology
|November 27, 2010
Summary
Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is a successful treatment for large ureteral stones that have failed other therapies. This minimally invasive approach achieved 100% success without complications in 33 patients.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Endourology
Background:
- Large ureteral stones often pose treatment challenges.
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy are common initial treatments.
- Failure of these methods necessitates alternative surgical approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the experience with laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for large ureteral stones.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique.
- To determine if stone size or prior surgery impacts outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 33 patients who underwent laparoscopic ureterolithotomy.
- Inclusion criteria: failure of SWL and/or ureteroscopic treatment.
- Stones were located in the lower, mid, or upper ureter.
Main Results:
- 100% success rate with no conversions to open surgery.
- No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported.
- Mean operative time was 85 minutes, with minimal blood loss and a short hospital stay.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is an effective first-line treatment after SWL/ureteroscopy failure.
- This technique is safe and successful for large ureteral stones.
- Previous open surgery does not negatively impact outcomes.
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