ABSTRACT
【Objective】 To explore the safety and efficacy of flexible ureteroscope in the treatment of upper and middle ureteral calculi complicated with lower ureteral stricture after the failure of rigid ureteroscopy. 【Methods】 Clinical data of 36 patients with middle and upper ureteral calculi and lower ureteral stricture treated with rigid ureteroscopy but failed during Oct.2019 and Oct.2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients’ average age was (46.2±13.2) years, and the maximum diameter of calculi was (1.3±0.3) cm. The intraoperative, postoperative and follow-up data were recorded. 【Results】 All 36 patients successfully completed first-stage operation. Intraoperatively, the stenosis degree was F6-8 and could be dilated to F9-11. The mean length of stenosis was (1.1±0.34) cm. No serious postoperative complications such as infection or bleeding occurred. Two patients were lost and 34 patients were followed up. There was no obvious hydronephrosis on ultrasound examination. The stone removal rates were 76.5%, 88.2% and 97.1%, respectively, in months 1, 2 and 3 after operation. One patient with residual stones underwent secondary ureteroscopy in month 3 and large stones were removed with stone removal basket. 【Conclusion】 In patients with middle and upper ureteral calculi and lower ureteral stricture, after the failure of rigid ureteroscopy, flexible ureteroscope is safe and effective, and can significantly increase the success rate of first-stage surgery.