COMPARING RESULTS OF TWO DIFFERENT SIZED URETERO-RENOSCOPES IN TREATMENT OF URETERIC STONES

Abstract

Purpose: To compare success and complications using 6fr (thin) semirigid URS with 8fr (standard) semirigid URS in treating ureteric stones. Material & Methods: Group 1 , 52 patients treated for ureteric stones with thin URS and the same number treated with standard URS in Group 2 , were compared retrospectively using a matched pair analysis. The size , side ,location and impaction of the stones and also the age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and the presence of hydro-uretronephrosis were used as matching parameters, stones were fragmented with pneumatic energy. Results : The matching parameters were comparable between the 2 groups. The stone free rates were 88.5% and 84.6% in group 1 and 2 , mean operative time was 32.7+- 5.8 min and 30.2+- 5.4 min in group 1 and 2 respectively. Post operative haematuria was seen in 1.9% and 13.5% patients in group 1 and 2 , Ureteral balloon dilatation was seen in 1.9% in group 1 as compared to 13.5% in group 2, Mucosal injury was seen in 1.9% and 13.5% in group 1 and 2 respectively .No major complications seen in either groups. Conclusion: Though stone free status and operative time was similar in both groups, a thin 6fr URS can reduce the need for ureteric dilatation and has less minor complications as mucosal injury and post operative haematuria in patients.