Radiolucent ureterocele calculus. Case report

Prior research has shown that ureteroceles are rare congenital anomalies of the urinary tract. It was already known that most ureteroceles are radiopaque, making them detectable on standard imaging. No prior work had resolved the diagnostic challenge of radiolucent stones within ureteroceles. This gap motivated further investigation into non-invasive detection methods. Standard imaging techniques often miss radiolucent stones, leading to delayed diagnosis. This uncertainty drives the need for alternative diagnostic tools. Ultrasound has been used increasingly in urology for its safety and accessibility. However, the specific use of ultrasonography to detect radiolucent stones in ureteroceles remains underexplored.

This case aimed to demonstrate the utility of ultrasonography in identifying radiolucent stones within a ureterocele. The specific problem addressed was the detection of a non-obstructing, radiolucent stone in a ureterocele. The motivation stemmed from the diagnostic limitations of standard imaging modalities. The goal was to explore endoscopic alternatives to traditional incision techniques. The study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of ureteral meatotomy in this context. A secondary objective was to assess the feasibility of ureterorenoscopy via an enlarged orifice. The focus was on a minimally invasive approach to stone disintegration. This approach aimed to minimize complications while ensuring complete stone removal.

The study involved a 30-year-old male patient with a suspected ureterocele. Ultrasonography was used to detect the presence of a radiolucent stone. The diagnostic process included imaging the bladder to locate the stone's position. The stone was found to be impacted in the ureteral orifice. Endoscopic ureteral meatotomy was chosen as the preferred intervention. This method was selected over traditional incision techniques. The procedure involved enlarging the ureteral orifice to access the stone. Ureterorenoscopy was then performed to disintegrate the stone.

The ultrasonography successfully identified the radiolucent stone within the ureterocele. The stone was located at the ureteral orifice without causing obstruction. Endoscopic ureteral meatotomy was performed without complications. The enlarged orifice allowed access for ureterorenoscopy. The stone was disintegrated using this minimally invasive approach. No additional stones were found in the urinary tract. The procedure resulted in complete stone removal without the need for open surgery. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful.

The authors propose that ultrasonography is a viable method for detecting radiolucent stones in ureteroceles. They suggest that endoscopic ureteral meatotomy is a suitable alternative to traditional incision techniques. The study highlights the effectiveness of ureterorenoscopy in stone disintegration. The findings suggest that minimally invasive approaches can be used successfully. The procedure described offers a safe and effective treatment option. The results indicate that non-obstructing stones can be managed without major surgery. The authors emphasize the importance of accurate imaging in diagnosis. They conclude that this approach can be considered in similar clinical scenarios.

2026-07-14T07:53:29.126942+00:00