Treatment of ureteral calcui with transureteroscopic holmium:YAG Laser lithotripsy(report of 96 cases)

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transureteroscopic holmium laser in management of ureteral calculi. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of 96 patients (57 males and 39 females,with an average age of 41 years). Among these cases,36 had stones in the upper,34 in the middle,and 26 in the lower ureter. The stones were 0.5～2.5 cm (average 1.1 cm) in diameter. Results The overall rate of successful fragmentation for all levels of ureteral stones in a single procedure achieved 94.7%. Success rate of fragmentation in single procedure for the upper level of ureteral stones was 90% (32/36),of which 1 case shifted to open operation and the other 3 cases underwent auxiliary extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy afterwards. Success rate of fragmentation in single procedure for the mid-lower level of ureteral stones was 98% (59/60),and 1 case shifted to open operation because of ureteral stricture. The average operative time was 38 min,and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.2 days. The postoperative follow-up of 3 weeks to 2 months revealed that stone-free rate was 98% (89/91). Conclusions Thetransureteroscopic holmium: YAG laser lithotripsy is an effective and safe therapy for patients with ureteral calculi.