Single-use ureteroscopes in ectopic pelvic kidney stones

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Endourology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Ectopic pelvic kidney (EPK) presents unique challenges for treating associated renal calculi.
• Flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) is a common modality for kidney stone management.
• The efficacy of single-use flexible ureteroscopy (su-fURS) in the context of EPK has not been extensively studied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of single-use flexible ureteroscopy (su-fURS) with holmium laser lithotripsy for treating renal stones in patients with ectopic pelvic kidney (EPK).
• To assess key surgical outcomes including operative time, stone-free rates, complication rates, and hospitalization duration.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 11 patients with EPK and renal stones undergoing su-fURS between May 2017 and November 2019.
• Exclusive use of disposable digital flexible ureteroscopes and holmium laser lithotripsy (dusting, pop-corn, and fragmenting modes).
• Data collected included operative time, stone burden (mm), digitized surface area (DSA, mm²), stone-free status (<3 mm fragments), complication rates (Clavien-Dindo), and hospitalization period.

Main Results:

• The mean operative time was 78±19 minutes.
• Stone-free rates were 60.1% after one session, 84.1% after two, and 94.4% after three sessions.
• The overall complication rate was 19.7%, with a mean hospitalization of 29 hours.

Conclusions:

• Single-use flexible ureteroscopy (su-fURS) is an effective treatment for renal stones in patients with ectopic pelvic kidney (EPK).
• The procedure demonstrates a high stone-free rate and a manageable complication profile.
• su-fURS offers a safe and efficient therapeutic option for this challenging patient cohort.