Retrograde Ureteroscopy for Distal Ureteral Stones Removal in Childhood

Distal ureteral stones are commonly treated by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) as first option in adult age patients, but no agreement is achieved about the treatment in children. Efficacy and safety of ureteroscopy with ureterolithotripsy (ULT) was compared with ESWL results for distal ureteral calculi treatment in childhood.Materials e MethodsFrom July 2002 to July 2003, paediatric patients presenting ureteral stones were consecutively randomized for treatment, using ULT or ESWL. The success rate, effectiveness quotient, complication rate and hospitalization length were evaluated. T-Student test (chi-square) was adopted for statistical analysis.ResultsA total of 31 patients, aged 2 to 17 years (mean age 7.2 years) were recruited. ULT was performed in 17 children. All the females (100%) and 4 males (80%) were stone-free in a single endoscopic procedure. ESWL was performed as a primary procedure in 14 cases, 5 males and 9 females. Four females (44.4%) and 2 males (40%) resulted stone-free at ...