Ureteral strictures following ureterolithotomy

The efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for symptomatic ureteral stones: Predictors of treatment failure without the assistance of computed tomography

OBJECTIVES

Non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) is not always performed clinically if the diagnosis of ureteral calculi has been confirmed using other radiographic imaging modalities. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of successful extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) without assistance of NCCT.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with symptomatic solitary ureteral stones who underwent ESWL between November 2015 and January 2016. Abdominal plain radiography or intravenous urography were performed before ESWL for localization. The exclusion criteria were repeated sessions of ESWL for the target stone and congenital genitourinary tract anomalies. The demographic characteristics, clinical history, medical charges, or imaging features of the stones were recorded. Successful treatment was defined as no fragments detected on radiography or ultrasonography in 4 weeks. For radiolucent calculi, successful treatment was regarded as cases without hydronephrosis, symptoms, or hematuria. Patients experiencing intractable pain and undergoing subsequent auxiliary surgeries were regarded as having ESWL treatment failure.

RESULTS

Age (odds ratio [OR], 1.042; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.007-1.078), history of ipsilateral renal or ureteral calculi episodes (OR, 2.669; 95% CI, 1.281-5.687), stone burden (OR, 3.499; 95% CI, 1.284-9.530), and radiopaque stone (OR, 2.351; 95% CI, 1.049-5.267) were significant predictors of ESWL failure in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

For treating symptomatic ureteral stones, those with smaller size, radiolucency, and without a history of ipsilateral renal or ureteral calculi could be considered for first-line therapy with ESWL.

Arterioureteral fistula--a rare complication of ureterolithotomy: treatment with embolization

Fistula formation between a ureteral branch of a renal artery and the ipsilateral ureter is rare. We describe a case that followed ureterolithotomy of an impacted stone. Selective angiography with embolization of the bleeding branch was curative.

A new generation of semirigid fiberoptic ureteroscopes

BACKGROUND

Further advances in endoscope technology have allowed the development of a new generation of tightly packed fiberoptics encased within a rigid ureteroscope. The tips of these semirigid ureteroscopes measure between 5.0F and 11.9F, and their working channels measure between 1.8F and 5.5F, which allows passage of routine endoscopc instruments. Additionally, several manufacturers have recently produced straight-channel fiberoptic semirigid endoscopes with an offset lens which allow usage of rigid lithotripsy devices. New fiber-packing techniques provide numerous pixels within the image bundle. These ureteroscopes have varied distal lens systems, but all have excellent vision in the field of view.

METHODS

Over the past 28 months, we have performed transurethral ureteroscopy in 187 patients, having utilized semirigid ureteroscopes in 158 patients for diagnostic procedures (8.7 %), stone manipulation (78.7 %), removal of migrated stents (4.4%), and surgery of stricture, tumor, or foreign bodies (8.2%). In more than 50% of our cases, ureteral dilation was not necessary, and the semirigid ureteroscope was passed to the area of interest without difficulty.

RESULTS

We accessed the site of pathology in 96.2% of patients. Overall, complications occurred in 6.9% of patients. However, of these problems, 93.6% were small ureteral perforations (only three of which were caused by the semirigid ureteroscope itself), and all cases but one were managed successfully by a ureteral stent. No postoperative strictures were noted.

CONCLUSION

This new generation of semirigid fiberoptic ureteroscopes represents another significant advance in the endourologic management of ureteral disease.

Lumbar ureteric stones: which is the best treatment?

We reviewed retrospectively 145 patients presenting ureteral calculi above the iliac crest. According to the treatment three groups were established. Group 1 was represented by 24 patients submitted to posterior ureterolithotomy; group 2, 100 patients treated by endourologic procedures; and group 3, 21 patients treated by extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Success rate considered as complete removal of all calculous material was 100 percent in the posterior ureterolithotomy group, 92 percent in the endourologic group, and 94.7 percent in the ESWL group. Hospitalization, anesthesia, and complication rates were minimal in patients submitted to ESWL. One may conclude that ESWL is the treatment of choice for lumbar ureteric calculi.

Is extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy suitable treatment for lower ureteric stones?

Forty patients with lower ureteric calculi for which intervention was considered desirable have been treated by in situ extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) on the Dornier HM3 Lithotripter using a modified technique. Stone localisation was satisfactory in all patients. Adequate disintegration was achieved in 90% of patients following one treatment; 34 patients have been followed up for at least 3 months and 27 of these are stone-free (79%). Treatment failed in 4 patients and 2 of these had dense lower ureteric stone streets as a result of previous ESWL. The retreatment rate, post-treatment auxiliary procedure rate and complication rate were minimal. It was concluded that in situ ESWL is an effective and safe method for treating certain selected lower ureteric stones and should be considered as a feasible alternative to the more conventional methods of treatment.

Complications following ureteroscopy

We report 4 cases of ureteral injury and stricture formation following ureteroscopic stone manipulation. Possible etiologies of stricture formation and our methods of managing them are discussed. The complications of ureteroscopy have been reported only rarely and the ureteroscopist should be aware that the procedure is not always benign.