Introduction: In this study we compare the success rates and complication rates of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), laparoscopic, and ureteroscopic approaches for large (between 1 and 2 cm) proximal ureteral stones. Methods: In total, 151 patients with ureteral stones between 1 and 2 cm in diameter were randomized into 3 groups (52 SWL, 51 laparoscopy and 48 retrograde intrarenal surgery [RIRS]). The groups were compared for stone size, success rates, and complication rates using the modified Clavien grading system. Results: Stone burden of the groups were similar (p = 0.36). The success rates were 96%, 81% and 79%, respectively in the laparoscopy, SWL, and ureteroscopy groups. The success rate in laparoscopy group was significantly higher (p < 0.05). When these groups were compared for complication rates, RIRS seemed to be the group with the lowest complication rates (4.11%) (p < 0.05). SWL and laparoscopy seem to have similar rates of complication (7.06% and 7.86%, respectively, p = 0.12). Interpretation: To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the results of laparoscopy, SWL and RIRS in ureteral stones. Our results showed that in management of patients with upper ureteral stones between 1 and 2 cm, laparoscopy is the most successful method based on its stone-free rates and acceptable complication rates. However, the limitations of our study are lack of hospital stay and cost-effectiveness data. Also, studies conducted on larger populations should support our findings. When a less invasive method is the only choice, SWL and flexible ureterorenoscopy methods have similar success rates. RIRS, however, has a lower complication rate than the other approaches.
IntroductionUpper ureteral stones, which are hard to treat, are frequently encountered in daily practice. For treatment, the most effective and the safest approach should be chosen. Upper ureteral stones can be managed by various approaches. There is no gold standard treatment for stones between 1 and 2 cm. Even though some researchers recommend extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) as first-line treatment, 1 it has a 40% success rate in larger proximal ureteral calculi.2 With the common use of flexible devices in urology, ureteroscopy has gained popularity in the treatment of upper ureteral stones. For stones larger than 1 cm and fully obstructing the passage in the ureter, open or laparoscopic surgery may be an option with success rates up to 100%.1 In recent years, some authors have published their data on the laparoscopic approach and have recommended its use for its high success and low complication rates.
3This study compares the success and complication rates of SWL and laparoscopic and ureteroscopic approaches for proximal ureteral calculi between 1 and 2 cm.
MethodsAfter Institutional Review Board approval, we enrolled 150 patients who had ureteral stones between 1 and 2 cm in the study; they were randomized into 3 groups by an online randomization program (52 for SWL, 51 for laparoscopy, and 48 for retrograde intrarenal surge...