The use of double-J catheter decreases complications of retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy

To evaluate the retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy in the treatment of ureteral calculi and the need for double-J catheter to reduce the procedure-related complications.

We conducted a retrospective study with 47 patients submitted to retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy, of which 31 were selected and divided into two groups: Group 1, whose patients did not have double-J catheter placement, and Group 2, who underwent perioperative double-J catheter implantation. Data collected comprised pre-and post-operative excretory urography, operative time, postoperative analgesia, length of hospital stay and catheter removal.

The groups were similar as for age and gender, degree of dilation of the urinary tract, position and average size of the calculi (Group 1 = 15.5 ± 6.6 mm, Group 2 = 16.3 ± 6.1 mm). Operative time was also not significantly different (Group 1 = 130 ± 40.3 min, Group 2 = 136.3 ± 49.3 min). Group 1 had six patients (37.5%) with early (four cases of urinary fistula) and late complications (one case of stenosis of the ureter, one case of functional exclusion of the operated kidney), while Group 2 had no complications. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.011).

The use of double-J catheter was associated with significantly fewer complications in retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy. Surgical time, postoperative analgesia and length of stay were similar between groups with and without catheter.