Success of laser endoureterotomy of ureteral strictures associated with ureteral stones is related to stone impaction.

PURPOSE Since the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser is the flexible lithotrite of choice for ureteral stones, its application to ureteral strictures associated with ureteral calculi is convenient. The results of Ho:YAG laser endoureterotomy in this specific setting have not been defined. We report our experience with Ho:YAG laser endoureterotomy of ureteral strictures associated with ureteral stone treatment, with or without a history of stone impaction. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of 13 patients with ureteral stricture related to stone treatment, with (n = 9) or without (n = 4) a history of impacted ureteral stones, who were managed with Ho:YAG laser endoureterotomy. Follow-up was obtained with radiographic imaging and renal scans. RESULTS The overall success rate was 62%, with a mean follow-up of 21 months in successful cases and a mean recurrence time of 1.6 months in failures. Outcome was not associated with length or location of the stricture. Among the nine strictures associated with impacted stones, treatment was successful in only 5 (56%). Of the four strictures that occurred after stone removal but without history of impaction, the success rate was 75%. Success was also greater for strictures managed with post-procedure stents >or=8 Fr (75%), compared to stents <or=7 Fr. (56%). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that laser endoureterotomy of ureteral strictures due to ureteral stone treatment without a history of impaction is associated with a reasonable success rate (75%), but that laser endoureterotomy for strictures related to impacted stones is associated with a success rate of only 56%. Larger caliber stents might be preferred in this setting.