The Efficacy of Ultra-thin Semi-rigid Ureteroscopy with Holmium Laser Lithotripsy in Pediatric Ureteral Stones: A Single-center Experience

Introduction The aim of this study was to present our results regarding the feasibility and possible complications of 4.5 Fr semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy (URS) treatments in pediatric patients. Methods The files and computer records of a total of 33 pediatric patients (20 males and 13 females), who underwent URS procedures for ureteral stones > 5 mm between January 2013 and June 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. A 4.5 Fr semi-rigid ureteroscope (Ultrathin 4.5/6.5 Fr Ureterorenoscope; Richard Wolf GmbH, Knittlingen, Germany) was used for the URS procedures. For the stone-free rate evaluations, abdominopelvic ultrasound or direct radiography scans were performed one week after the surgery, and low-dose non-contrast computed tomography (CT) was performed during the first month. Results The mean age of the patients was 9.8 +/- 2.8 (range 4-16) years old, and the mean ureteral stone size was 8.9 +/- 1.4 (range 6-13) mm. The mean surgical duration was 45 +/- 21.2 (range 30-75) minutes, and the mean hospital stay length was 1.2 (range 1-4) days. Minor complications occurred in five (15.1%) of the patients. The success rates for the first week and first month were 90.9% and 96.9%, respectively. Conclusion The endoscopic management of pediatric ureteral stones using a 4.5 Fr ureteroscope seems to be a safe and feasible treatment option with high success and low complication rates.