Primary versus secondary ureteroscopy for pediatric ureteral stones

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of primary versus secondary ureteroscopy for pediatric ureteral stones.

Patients and methods: A retrospective chart review study that included 66 children aged less than 12 years, who were subdivided into two groups: Group A, which included 42 children who had undergone primary ureteroscopy without pre-stenting; and Group B, which included 24 children who had undergone ureteroscopy after ureteric stenting. Kidneys, ureters and bladder radiographs were done on the first postoperative day to assess the degree of stone clearance and stent position.

Results: Age, gender, stone location and stone size were not significantly different between both groups. In Group A, 31 (73.8%) children required ureteric dilation, 13 (31%) had a tight ureter that failed to respond to dilation, 25 (59.5%) displayed complete stone clearance, and of these, 13 (52%) needed postoperative stenting. One child experienced ureteric injury during stone disintegration and was stented for two weeks. Children in Group B experienced a 95.8% complete stone clearance rate, with no ureteric injury reported; postoperative stenting was performed in three (12.5%) children..

Conclusion: Secondary ureteroscopy is preferable over primary ureteroscopy in pediatric populations because of a significantly lower need for ureteric dilation, shorter procedure time and better stone clearance rate..

Keywords: Calculi; Pediatric; Ureteroscopy.