Holmium Laser Lithotripsy and the Analysis of Factors Influencing Postoperative Ureteral Stricture

Abstract

Abstract Background The thermal damage caused by holmium laser lithotripsy is irreversible and can lead to severe complications, including ureteral strictures. Methods This retrospective study included 106 patients who underwent ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy by the same specialist at our hospital between October 2020 to October 2021. Patient data, including information on the stone location, size, surgical time, water consumption, disease course, and presence of stone-associated polyps, were collected and analysed using SPSS 23.0. Results Logistic regression analysis of the risk factors for URHL revealed significant associations (P < 0.05) between ureteral strictures and stone location, stone size, operation time, water consumption, disease course, and stone-associated polyps. Conclusion Complications during surgery significantly increase when the course of urinary tract stones exceeds 3 months, large ureteral stones are present, long incarceration time is required, and complex conditions, such as polyps, are encountered. The presence of these factors increases the risk of thermal damage due to holmium lithotripsy.