Ureteropyeloscopic lithotripsy with holmium:YAG laser for treatment of ureteral calculi

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ureteropyeloscopic lithotripsy with holmium:YAG laser on the endoscopic treatment of ureteral calculi.Methods The clinical data of 206 cases of ureteral complicated calculi receiving Holmium laser endoscopic treatment between Jan.2005 to Dec.2006 were analyzed.Among them,there were 181 cases of hydronephrosis,28 cases of ureteral stricture,57 cases of polypus and 26 cases of ESWL failure.Results The overall rate of successful fragmentation for all levels of ureteral stones in a single procedure achieved 94.7% (195/206).The mean operative time was 25 min,and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.5 days.Ten cases experienced failure because of stone shift or residual in the operation,and treated by ESWL.One case of bilateral ureteral calculi was converted to open operation because of ureteral stricture.Conclusion Ureteropyeloscopy and holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy is a highly effective and safe therapy for patients with ureteral calculi.It can be considered as a first choice of treatment,especially for those with middle or lower levels of ureteral stones.