Ureteroscopy for Management of Ureteric Stones in Children - A Single Centre Experience.

OBJECTIVE To determine the outcomes of pediatric patients who underwent ureteroscopic removal of ureteric stones in terms of stone free rates and complications. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Urology Department at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, from January 2012 to December 2014. METHODOLOGY A retrospective analysis of 37 patients, who underwent ureteroscopy for the treatment of ureteral calculi at the study centre, was conducted. Data regarding mean stone size, stone location, stone clearance and complications was recorded on specified proforma. Data was analysed on SPSS version 16. RESULTS Thirty-seven children with mean age of 8.36 ±5.17 years were included. Twenty-five (67.6%) patients were male, whereas 12 (32.4%) patients were female. Mean stone size was 10.01 ±6.24 mm. Location-wise 25 (67.56%) patients had upper ureteric stones, 5 (13.5%) patients had mid ureteric stones and 7(18.9%) patients had distal ureteric stones. Twentytwo (59.5%) children underwent one procedure, while 15 (40.5%) children underwent relook ureteroscopies. Second relook ureteroscopy was done in 13/25 (52%) patients, 1/5 (20%) patient and 1/7 (14.28%) patient in upper, mid and lower ureteric stones, respectively. Overall stone clearance rate was 35/37 (94.59%) after first procedure. Mean operative time was 52.54 ±12.39 minutes. Urosepsis was seen in 2 patients. No major complications were seen. After the second URS procedure, stone free rate was 100%. CONCLUSION Ureteroscopy is a safe and effective procedure in children in terms of stone free rate and complications.