ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy ( FURL) using holmium laser for medullary sponge kidney stones. Methods A flexible ureteroscope was placed into renal calyx via a ureteral access sheath ( UAS) . The stones underlying the mucosa were found,and then broken by holmium laser following incision of renal papillary mucosa. The stone fragments were washed or clamped out. The remission of clinical symptoms and incidence of perioperative complications were observed,and a KUB plain film was rechecked postoperatively. Results Stones underlying mucosa were found and broken successfully in all 14 patients and there was no serious bleeding. Back pain symptoms of patients were relieved in 3 to 7 days postoperatively or after the removal of double J stent. The stone fragments were mainly discharged spontaneously. The rechecking KUB showed the amount of stones of most patients was significantly re-duced three months after operation. Conclusion FURL using holmium laser is effective for the treatment of medullary sponge kidney stones as it can significantly reduce the loads of stones without serious complications. It’ s a minimally invasive,effective,safe and suitable way which is suitable for further spread of clinical application.