Related Experiment Videos
Ureteroscopy and stone lithotripsy with lithoclast: personal experience
G L Leidi1, G L Berti, L Canclini
1Department of Urology, Legnano Hospital.
Summary
Ureteroscopy with a small caliber ureteroscope and Lithoclast is a safe and effective treatment for ureteral stones. This minimally invasive procedure offers a satisfactory alternative to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Ureteroscopy is a common but invasive technique for ureteral pathologies.
- Complications associated with ureteroscopy have been reported in medical literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ureteroscopy with ballistic lithotripsy for treating ureteral stones.
- To assess the outcomes of using small caliber ureteroscopes in this procedure.
Main Methods:
- 49 patients with middle and distal ureteral stones underwent ureteroscopy using a 7-8.5 mm Wolf ureteroscope.
- Ballistic lithotripsy with a Lithoclast was employed for stone fragmentation.
- Antibiotic prophylaxis was administered to all patients.
Main Results:
- 97.96% of patients achieved direct ureteral access without meatal dilation.
- Stones were reached in 93.88% of cases with satisfactory fragmentation in 90.7%.
- No major complications like ureteral perforations or significant bleeding occurred; 4 patients required subsequent ESWL for retained fragments.
Conclusions:
- Ureteroscopy with small caliber instruments and Lithoclast is a safe and effective alternative to ESWL for ureteral stones.
- The procedure demonstrated a low complication rate and a short postoperative hospital stay (1-4 days).