Ureteropyeloscopy and Holmium YAG laser lithotripsy for treatment of upper ureteral calculi

Objective To evaluate the skills and methods of ureteropyeloscopic lithotripsy with Holmium:YAG laser for the treatment of upper ureteral calculi.Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of 121 patients who had upper levels of ureteral stones and underwent ureteropyeloscopic lithotripsy using Holmium:YAG laser with rigid ureteropyeloscope.Results The success rates of fragmentation in a single procedure were 95%(115/121).The postoperative follow-up of 2 weeks to 6 months revealed that the stone-free rate was 98% (113/115) and the hydronephrosis was markedly improved from preoperative (3.5±0.8) cm to postoperative (1.5±0.4) cm according to IVU (P 0.01). No ureteral stenosis occurred.Conclusion Ureteropyeloscopy and Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy has more adventages in treatment of upper ureteral calculi,especially for stones larger than 1?cm in diameter associated with ureter polyps and stricture of the ureter.The key to success depends on the good skills and methods of ureteropyeloscopy.