OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors that affect the success and complication rate of ureteroscopy for ureteral stone treatment in children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of children who were treated for ureteral stones at our institution from 2009 to 2011. The demographic data, stone size, stone location, number of stones, intraoperative complications, stone-free status, postoperative complications, and conversion to an open procedure were recorded.
RESULTS: A total of 54 ureteroscopic procedures were performed in 32 children. The mean age was 5.91 ± 4.98 years. Conversion to an open surgical procedure was required in 6 patients (18.75%). A significant relationship was found between conversion to an open procedure and patient age. Although the initial complete clearance rate was 57% after the first session, overall, the stone-free rate was 92.68%. A significant relationship was found between stone-free status and patient age and stone composition. Our overall complication rate was 9.7%. Only 1 major complication (2.4%) occurred. A significant relationship was found between the occurrence of complications and patient age.
CONCLUSION: Ureteroscopy is an effective method to treat ureteral stones in children. Cystine stones and lower patient age carry a risk of not achieving a stone-free status. The complication rate and conversion to an open procedure were greater in patients < 5 years old. Parents should be informed before treatment that their children might require multiple treatment sessions.
Written by:
Tiryaki T, Azili MN, Özmert S. Are you the author?
Department of Pediatric Urology, Ankara Child Health and Diseases Hematology and Oncology Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Reference: Urology. 2013 May;81(5):1047-51.
doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2013.01.008
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23465154
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