Micro-ureteroscopy: Initial experience in the endoscopic treatment of pelvic ureteral lithiasis

Abstract

Objectives: To present to report the first case of ureteral lithiasis resolved using a new endoscopic approach, which we call microureteroscopy (m-URS) and attempts to reduce the ureteral damage caused by conventional instrumentation.

Material and methods: We selected a 53-year-old patient with a 16-mm calculus in the right distal ureter. For endoscopic access, we used a 4.8 Fr sheath from the microperc set and fragmented the stone with a 230-micron laser fiber.

Results: Complete fragmentation of the stone was achieved. We placed a JJ catheter due to significant ureteral edema. The surgical time and postsurgical stay were 156minutes and 24hours, respectively. There were no complications, the requirements for analgesia were minimal, and the patient was free of residual stones.

Conclusions: The m-URS technique is feasible, simple and effective for the treatment of pelvic ureteral lithiasis in women and optimizes minimal invasion, with results that can be comparable to conventional endoscopic techniques in terms of ease of access and quality of endoscopic vision without affecting the resolution capacity. Larger studies and greater technological development is needed to define the definitive role of this procedure. Currently, its major limitations lie in the treatment of proximal ureter lithiasis and in the treatment of men. This technique could also be a viable alternative for pediatric patients.

Keywords: Laser; Lithotripsy; Litiasis urinaria; Litotricia; Láser; Miniaturización; Miniaturization; Ureteroscopia; Ureteroscopy; Urinary lithiasis.