WITHDRAWN: Comparison of vacuum suction semirigid ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy and flexible ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy for upper ureteral calculi with a diameter ≥ 15mm: a retrospective study

Abstract

Purpose To compare the efficacy and safety of vacuum suction semirigid ureteroscopic (Sotn-URS) laser lithotripsy and flexible ureteroscopic (F-URS) laser lithotripsy for the treatment of unilateral upper ureteral calculi with a diameter ³ 15mm. Methods This study included 153 patients with upper ureteral calculi who met the criteria. Of these, Sotn-URS laser lithotripsy was performed on 96 patients, while F-URS laser lithotripsy was administered to 57 patients. The clinical data of the two groups were retrospectively analyzed and compared to the operative time, postoperative hospitalization time, stone-free rate (SFR), complication rate and success rate of ureteral sheath (UAS) placement of the two groups. Based on calculi computed tomography(CT) numerical value ≥1000 Hu, subgroup analysis was carried out for both groups. Results Surgery was successfully completed in both groups. In comparison to the F-URS group, the Sotn-URS group witnessed a reduced operative time (45.82±18.81 vs. 54.21±23.05 min; P = 0.036), a higher SFR of one day after operation (47.92% vs. 24.56%; P = 0.004), a higher SFR of one month after operation (87.50% vs. 73.68%; P = 0.030), and lower rate of complications (7.3% vs. 19.3%; P =0.026). When the success rate of UAS placement and postoperative hospitalization time were compared, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that the Sotn-URS group had a shorter operative time,a higher SFR of one day after operation, and fewer complications than the F-URS group. (P<0.05). Conclusion For the treatment of unilateral upper ureteral calculi with a diameter ³ 15mm, Sotn-URS presents advantages over F-URS, including shorter operative time, a greater SFR, and fewer complications.