Ureteroscopy Without Fluoroscopy: A Feasibility Study and Comparison with Conventional Ureteroscopy.
Gaudencio Olgin1, Damien Smith1, Muhannad Alsyouf1
1Department of Urology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine , Loma Linda, California.
Journal of Endourology
|January 7, 2015
Summary
This study shows that ureteroscopy can be performed without fluoroscopy, significantly reducing radiation exposure for patients and staff. This fluoroless technique is effective for treating kidney stones and offers an alternative for all patients.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Imaging
- Radiation Safety
Background:
- Urolithiasis patients face significant radiation exposure from diagnostic and treatment procedures.
- Fluoroscopy is a common imaging modality used during ureteroscopy, contributing to radiation dose.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the feasibility of performing ureteroscopy without fluoroscopy.
- To compare outcomes of fluoroless ureteroscopy with conventional fluoroscopy-guided procedures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 50 consecutive fluoroless ureteroscopies.
- Procedures utilized tactile feedback, direct visualization, and external cues instead of fluoroscopy.
- Comparison with 50 conventional ureteroscopies performed with fluoroscopy.
Main Results:
- Fifty ureteroscopies were successfully performed without image guidance.
- Fluoroless ureteroscopy showed a higher stone burden (91.53 mm²) compared to conventional (56.58 mm²).
- Similar operative times, complication rates (4%), and repeat procedure rates (8%) were observed between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- Completely fluoroless ureteroscopy is feasible and effective for treating upper urinary tract calculi.
- This technique eliminates radiation exposure for patients and medical staff.
- The fluoroless approach is beneficial for high-risk groups (pregnant women, children) and offers radiation reduction for all patients.
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