Ballistic ureteroscopic lithotripsy in prepubertal patients: a feasible option for ureteral stones

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of ballistic ureteroscopic lithotripsy in children with ureteral stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children under 14 years with ureteral stones were treated with ureteroscopy in a 5-year period in our institution. RESULTS: Twenty-three procedures were performed in 20 children. Mean surgical time, age and stone size were 31 min. (15 - 120min.), 11 years. (4-13 years), 5.3 mm (3-10 mm) respectively. Three patients underwent two ballistic ureteroscopic lithotripsy each. There were 22 successful procedures (96 percent) and a 100 percent stone-free rate per patient. Complications (mucosal tear) occurred in 2 procedures (8 percent) without extravasation of contrast media on retrograde pyelogram and their follow-up was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Ureteroscopic ballistic lithotripsy is a feasible option for ureteral stones in prepubertal patients, with high stone-free rate and few complications.