Comparison of efficacy and safety of open and laparoscopic proximal ureterolithotomy for ureteral stone management: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite advances in non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques, some proximal ureteral stones with impaction require open or laparoscopic surgery. No systematic reviews or meta-analyses have compared the efficacy and safety of open proximal ureterolithotomy and laparoscopic approaches. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety between open and laparoscopic proximal ureterolithotomy for ureteral stone management. Following the PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches were conducted in five databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and ProQuest) to identify articles comparing those two surgical approaches. Operative time, blood loss, pain score, hospital stay, recovery time, and complications were collected and compared. Heterogeneity-based meta-analysis with random-effects or fixed-effects models were conducted. Two randomized controlled trials and four observational cohort studies with 386 participants met the criteria. Open surgery had significantly less time than laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (mean difference (MD): 26.63 minutes, 95%CI: 14.32, 38.94; p<0.0001). Intraoperative blood loss (MD: -1.27 ml; 95%CI: -6.64, 4.09; p=0.64) and overall complications (OR: 0.68; 95%CI: 0.41, 1.15; p=0.16) were not significantly different between two approaches. Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy reduced visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores (MD: -2.53; 95%CI: -3.47, -2.03; p<0.00001), hospital stays (MD: -2.40 days; 95%CI: -3.42 to -1.38 days; p=0.03), and recovery time (MD: -9.67 days; 95%CI: -10.81 to -8.53 days; p<0.00001). In conclusion, open proximal ureterolithotomy had less time, but laparoscopic surgery reduced postoperative pain, hospital stay, and recovery time. Both methods had comparable intraoperative bleeding and complications.

Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy for large proximal ureteral stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Both percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LU) are effective treatment options for large proximal ureteral stones. Aim: To perform a meta-analysis on this topic to assess the efficacy, safety, and potential complications of the two procedures. Material and methods: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Ovid and Scopus to identify eligible suitable studies until May 2022. All studies comparing LU vs PCNL in large proximal ureteral stones were included. The Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software was used to analyze statistical significance. Results: A total of nine publications involving 933 patients (LU 465; PCNL 468) were included, of which 4 were randomized control trails (RCTs) and 5 were non-RCTs. The meta-analysis of available data showed that compared with PCNL, LU had a higher initial stone-free rate (OR = 3.26; p = 0.004), but longer operative time (WMD = 35.08 min; p = 0.0003). However, the final stone-free rate (OR = 2.08; p = 0.07) and length of hospital stay (WMD = 0.32 d; p = 0.48) were comparable between the two groups. Meanwhile, LU had a lower transfusion rate (OR = 0.13; p = 0.007) than PCNL. There was no significant difference in terms of complications (OR = 0.97; p = 0.84), Clavien-Dindo score ≥ 3 complications (OR = 1.03; p = 0.93), auxiliary procedures (OR = 0.44; p = 0.08), or ureteral stenosis (OR = 0.24; p = 0.13) between LU and PCNL. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis revealed that LU is a safe and feasible option for large proximal ureteral stones with a higher initial stone-free rate and lower transfusion rate compared with PCNL.

Bilateral Synchronous 3-Port Trans-peritoneal Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy: a Case Report.

Trans-peritoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is a well-established minimally invasive procedure for management of large impacted ureteric stones since the last 3 decades. We present a case of a 51-year old gentleman, who presented with bilateral large upper ureteric calculi with obstructive uropathy and azotemia, managed successfully with bilateral synchronous 3-port trans-peritoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy, and to our knowledge is the first such case to be reported in literature. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42399-022-01190-5.

Using retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy in the treatment of impacted upper ureteric calculi.

BACKGROUND: The ideal treatment for upper ureteric calculi is still debatable, particularly for patients with large, impacted ureteric calculi. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RLU) may be a worthwhile alternative to open surgery. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated our clinical experience associated with RLU performed for impacted upper ureteric calculi (>1.5 cm) help urologists in clinical practice and provide a reference for clinical work. METHODS: A total of 64 cases (38 males; 26 females) with impacted upper ureteric calculi between April 2018 and January 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. The basic information of the included research subjects are as follows: The mean age was 50.8±25.4 years. The largest stone diameter was 1.8±0.3 cm. The mean stone retention time was 42±11 days. The mean degree of hydronephrosis was 2.8±1.2 cm. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 85.4±18.3 minutes. The mean hospital duration was 7.5±1.8 days. The stone-free rate was 98.4%. Two patients required additional intervention. Post-operative fever developed in 3 patients. The decrease in hemoglobin levels was 7.8±3.6 g/L. The increase in procalcitonin (PCT) level was 3.7±1.8 ng/mL. No major complications, for example, sepsis, bleeding, bowel injury, or cardiopulmonary morbidities, were reported. CONCLUSIONS: RLU should be regarded as an excellent first line treatment modality for impacted upper ureteric calculi (>1.5 cm) owing to the high success rate, low complication rate, and the short length of operative time and hospital duration.

Efficacy of transurethral ureteroscopic lithotripsy versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy in the treatment of upper ureteral calculi / 中国基层医药

Objective:To explore the effects of retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RLU) and urethral ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URL) on renal function, oxidative stress, and immunoglobulin levels in patients with upper ureteral calculi.Methods:The clinical data of 78 patients with upper ureteral calculi, who received treatment in Yiwu Central Hospital from June 2017 to April 2020, were collected for this study. The patients were divided into URL group ( n = 38, URL treatment) and RLU group ( n = 40, RLU treatment) according to different surgical methods. Renal function (creatinine, urea nitrogen, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin), oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde), immunoglobulin (Ig) (IgA, IgM, IgG), and complications were compared between the two groups. Results:At 1 day after surgery, creatinine, urea nitrogen, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in the RLU group were (79.59 ± 6.02) μmol/L,(6.93±1.17) mmol/L,(4.78±0.61) μg/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the URL group [(86.98 ± 8.27) μmol/L, (7.62 ± 1.24) mmol/L, (6.03 ± 0.79) μg/L, t = 4.53, 2.53, 7.85, P < 0.001, P = 0.014, P < 0.001). At 1 day after surgery, IgA, IgM, and IgG in the RLU group were (1.94 ± 0.25) g/L, (1.55 ± 0.24) g/L, (6.59 ± 1.25) g/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the URL group [(2.38 ± 0.23) g/L, (1.82 ± 0.27) g/L, (7.89 ± 1.36) g/L, t = 8.08, 4.67, 4.40, P < 0.001, 0.001, 0.001]. At 1 day after surgery, malondialdehyde level was significantly lower in the RLU group than in the URL group [(7.49 ± 1.26) mmol/L vs. (8.93 ± 1.38) mmol/L, t = 4.817, P < 0.001]. At 1 day after surgery, superoxide dismutase level was significantly higher in the RLU group than in the URL group [(72.18 ± 7.55) mg/L vs. (63.49 ± 6.69) mg/L, t = 5.37, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications [15.79% (6/38) vs. 7.50% (3/40), χ2 = 1.31, P = 0.252]. Conclusion:RLU for the treatment of upper ureteral calculi has fewer effects on renal function, oxidative stress, and immunoglobulin level in patients with upper ureteral calculi compared with URL and does not increase the incidence of complications.

Laparoscopic Surgery in Pediatric Upper Tract Urolithiasis: An Alternate Modality.

INTRODUCTION: Incidence of pediatric urolithiasis has increased over the last few decades. Procedures such as extracorporeal short wave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, and ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy are not widely available for pediatric age group in many developing countries. It is desirable that advantages of minimally invasive surgery be offered to selected cases with urolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with pediatric upper tract urolithiasis managed laparoscopically from January 2015 to April 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 8 ± 2.85 years. Thirty-four patients (renal and upper ureteric) were managed through retroperitoneal approach, while those with lower ureteric calculi (n = 4) were approached transperitoneally. A total of eight patients required conversion to open technique. The stone clearance rate was 79% by laparoscopic approach alone. There were no procedure-related complications. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that laparoscopic management for pediatric upper tract urolithiasis is a radiation-free, single-time curative treatment and is feasible in centers where facilities for other endoscopic procedures are unavailable.

Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for large proximal ureteric stones: Surgical technique, outcomes and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LPU) for the treatment of large proximal ureteric stone. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter analysis for patients with solitary impacted proximal ureteric stone ≥15 mm who underwent LPU from 2016 to 2019 was performed. Primary outcome was to estimate the stone-free rate (SFR). SFR was defined as absence of residual stones on postoperative computed tomography scan. Secondary outcome was to assess the perioperative outcomes, as well as to review literature data of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses comparing LPU to other treatment options. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were included in our study. Mean stone size was 22.9 ± 5.8 mm and median follow-up was 14 months. Three patients had previous abdominal surgery, one patient had severe degree of scoliosis and six patients failed primary therapy. All stones were extracted successfully (SFR = 100%) without need of auxiliary treatments. Mean operative time and estimated blood loss were 86.6 ± 14.1 minutes. and 11.9 ± 14.7 mL, respectively. No intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery were reported. No major postoperative complications (≥grade 3) were reported. Mean length of hospital stay was 2 ± 0.8 days. CONCLUSIONS: For treatment of large ureteric stones, our study showed that LPU achieves 100% stone-free status. When performed by well-trained laparoscopic surgeons, it is safe and has no major perioperative complications. According to our results and literature data, when counseling patients with large impacted proximal ureteral stones, LPU should be advised as the procedure that has the higher SFR, lower auxiliary treatments, and comparable complication rates to other treatments.

The learning curve of retroperitoneoscopic urologic surgery: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION@#Retroperitoneal laparoscopic (RPL) urologic surgery offers comparable surgical and functional outcomes to the traditional transperitoneal approach, with the advantage of circumventing the need to enter the intraabdominal space. This precludes the necessity to encounter small intestinal and colonic segments, encounter abdominal adhesions, and mobilize adjacent organs, translating to better peri-operative and post-operative conditions. However, RPL demands a strong knowledge of the retroperitoneal anatomy coupled with a level of laparoscopic dexterity, this results in a steep learning curve. Unfortunately, the evidence on the learning curve for RPL is diverse and scarce. The aim of this systematic review was to consolidate the available literature and determine the minimum required number of cases to efficiently and safely perform RPL.@*METHODS@#This is a systematic review of the literature via PubMed, EBSCO and Science Direct of all studies published since 2000 to 2019. The search was conducted by combining the following terms, “Retroperitoneoscopy”, “Retroperitoneoscopic”, “posterior laparoscopy”, “Learning”, “Nephrectomy”, “Adrenalectomy”, and “Ureterolithotomy”. Outcomes of interest were learning curve, mean operative time, mean intra-operative blood loss and mean hospital stay.@*RESULTS@#After the screening phase and application of the eligibility and exclusion criteria, the review included a total of 6 studies on the learning curve for RPL. The learning curve for retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy was 40 cases and 24 to 42 cases, based on the evidence from Uitert, et al. (2016) and Vrielink, et al. (2017), respectively. For retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy, the minimum required number of cases is 30 – 70, based on the studies by Pal, et al. (2017), Zhu, et al. (2018) and Tokodai, et al. (2013). Ercil, et al. (2014) demonstrated the learning curve for retroperitoneoscpic ureterolithotomy to be at 30 cases. Review of each literature showed that completion of the learning curves translated to better peri-operative and post-operative conditions (i.e. shorter operative time, lesser intra-operative blood loss, shorter hospital stay). Overall, the evidence in this review suggests that for posterior retroperitoneal laparoscopy, a mean learning curve of 31 to 56 cases is required to safely and efficiently perform the procedure. @*CONCLUSION@#Retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery is a valid alternative to the traditional transperitoneal approach. It offers comparable anatomic and functional results, albeit better peri-operative and post-operative outcomes. However, its performance requires a strong knowledge and familiarity of working within the retroperitoneum which can be achieved through progressive experience in RPL. The evidence consolidated by this review suggests a learning curve of 31 to 56 cases prior to effectively performing the procedure.

Largest ureteric stone in Iraq.

Ureteric stone disease is increasing, especially in developed countries, and present in different ages with various patterns; it has many treatment modalities and outcomes. Ureteric stones are usually small and symptomatic but maybe large, asymptomatic associates with totally distracted kidneys. However, some ureteral calculi show silent progression to reach a large size without underlying anatomic abnormalities. These stones are called giant ureteral stones and seen extremely rare. In this study, we report a case of large ureteral stones with 13 cm length on the right side with atrophy of the right kidney.

Management of Migrated or Residual Stones Following Laparoscopic Pyelolithotomy and Ureterolithotomy in Abnormal Kidneys: A Prospective and Randomized Comparison.

Objective: To conduct a prospective and randomized controlled trial comparing contemporaneous transabdominal rigid ureteroscopy (TRU) with postoperative extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) in the management of migrated or residual stones during laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and ureterolithotomy in kidneys with either intrinsic or extrinsic abnormalities. Materials and Methods: From February 2016 to December 2019, 45 patients with migrated or residual stones following laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and ureterolithotomy were accrued and randomly divided into two groups. These patients all had either urinary tract obstruction distal to the stone or concomitant ipsilateral intrinsic or extrinsic pathology requiring laparoscopic intervention. Twenty-three patients underwent contemporaneous TRU, and 22 patients underwent postoperative SWL. Patients' demographics, perioperative variables, and follow-up data were collected. The primary outcome was the final stone-free rate (SFR) at the 2-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included blood loss, operative time, change in serum creatinine, complications per Clavien-Dindo grading system, renal colic occurrence rate (RCOR), and postoperative hospitalization. Results: There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, location, or stone burden between the two groups (p > 0.05). At the 2-month follow-ups, the SFR was higher in the TRU than the SWL group (p = 0.002), and the RCOR was lower in the TRU than the SWL group (p = 0.005). Postoperative hospitalization was also shorter for the TRU group. No significant difference was noted in the operative time, blood loss, change in serum creatinine, or perioperative complications (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Contemporaneous TRU is more effective and equally safe compared to postoperative SWL in the management of residual or migrated stones during laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and ureterolithotomy in kidneys with either intrinsic or extrinsic abnormalities.

Optimal management of large proximal ureteral stones (>10 mm): A systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: To develop an evidence base to guide clinicians treating adults with large proximal ureteral stones (LPUS) greater than 10 mm. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) concerning different LPUS management techniques including laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LU), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URL) up until March 2020. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement when searching and determining inclusion. All included articles were quality assessed and the data analyses were conducted with Review Manager (5.3). RESULTS: 12 RCTs involving 1416 patients met our eligibility criteria and were analyzed. Of these participants, 44.6% (n = 632) underwent URL, 25.5% (n = 361) PCNL, and 29.9% (n = 423) LU. Pooled analysis revealed that URL had a significantly lower stone-free rate (SFR) compared to PCNL and LU (both with p < 0.05). URL had a significantly higher ureteral injury rate compared to LU (Relative risk (RR) = 5.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.52 to 18.22, p = 0.009) and PCNL (RR = 4.11, 95% CI 1.03 to 16.34, p = 0.04). However, no significant differences were found between PCNL and LU in terms of SFR or overall complications, both with p > 0.05. URL initially costs less than PCNL (Weighted mean difference (WMD) -597.35US$, 95% CI -823.10 to -371.60, p < 0.00001), but being less effective creates greater demand for repeat or ancillary treatments compared to LU (RR 15.65, 95% CI 2.11-116.12, p = 0.007) and PCNL (RR 8.86; 95% CI 3.19-24.60; p < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Both PCNL and LU appear more effective and safer than URL for LPUS; although, LU has higher risk of urine leakage and is more likely incur trauma which requires additional support. However, caution must be taken because this recommendation is based upon a very limited number of clinical studies, and even fewer comparing flexible ureteroscopic technologies. Further prospective real-world studies or RCTs comparing flexible URL, LU and PCNL are required, as well as an in depth analysis of the hidden costs involved in unsuccessful URL treatments.

Case report of ureteroscopy assisted laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for multiple large ureteric calculi.

Managing patient having multiple large ureteric calculi at different locations in ureter with minimal invasive surgery is always a challenge for the surgeon. We hereby present the case report of ureteroscopy assisted laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for multiple large ureteric calculi in proximal and distal ureter in a young female. In this unique and novel method ureteroscopy and laparoscopy was done simultaneously over the patient using two camera units and two surgeons. This approach avoided open ureterolithotomy scar and also extensive dissection of ureter. This unique surgery can be considered as confluence of endourology and laparoscopy.

A new and easy technique of double-J stenting after retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy: A discussion of other techniques.

AIM: To summarize a new and easy technique of double-J stent (DJ stent) placement after retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RLU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: RLU for upper and upper half of mid ureteric stones was performed successfully in 172 patients during the 8-year period between March 2011 and February 2019. In all the cases, a ureteric DJ stent was successfully placed by this new technique. A small-bore antral puncture needle is inserted into the retroperitoneal space to push down a DJ stent with a guidewire into the lower ureter. The tip of the antral puncture needle is manipulated to bring it near the ureterotomy site for easy insertion of the stent. The whole stent is pushed down leaving only the upper end in the ureterotomy area. Then, the guidewire is removed and the upper end is pushed up slowly into the renal pelvis. RESULTS: DJ stents were successfully inserted by this technique in all the 172 cases. In most cases, the stent could be placed in <3 min (range between 2 and 8 min). In two patients, the upper end failed to fully coil in the renal pelvis, but as the stent was passed beyond the ureterotomy site, it served its purpose of an internal drain. None of our cases had any urinary leak. Stents were removed cystoscopically after 6-12 weeks. CONCLUSION: This technique provides an easy, fast, and safe antegrade method of inserting a DJ stent after RLU.

Pediatric Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic and Ureteroscopic Ureterolithotomy and Ureteroplasty.

Background: Pediatric urolithiasis may coexist with congenital urinary tract abnormalities, complicating conventional methods of stone treatment. Here, we present an effective case of robot-assisted laparoscopy and simultaneous ureteropyeloscopy for the definitive management of pediatric urolithiasis complicated by a congenital ureteral stricture. Case Presentation: A 3-year-old girl presented to clinic with an outside noncontrast CT scan showing two 6-7 mm nonobstructing calculi in a mildly distended upper pole moiety of a duplex left kidney. Ureteral duplication status was unclear. The patient had suffered multiple febrile urinary tract infections throughout her life. Retrograde ureteropyelogram showed a stenotic waist in the upper pole ureter just proximal to the duplex ureteral convergence, and flexible ureteroscopy confirmed a congenital ureteral stricture. Simultaneous robot-assisted laparoscopic and ureteroscopic ureterolithotomy and ureteroplasty were offered and performed using a 3-armed robotic approach. The precise location of the stricture was identified robotically with simultaneous left ureteroscopy. A medial 1.5 cm longitudinal ureterotomy was made through the ureteral stricture to facilitate upper moiety ureterorenoscopy. The calculi were visualized in the upper moiety and retrieved in whole using a stone basket. The calculi were passed via the ureterotomy to the robotic instruments intraperitoneally. The longitudinal ureterotomy was closed transversely. A ureteral stent was placed, and indocyanine green was administered intravenously to confirm good perfusion of the ureteroplasty segment via fluorescence imaging. The stent was removed at 4 weeks. Retrograde ureterography and flexible ureteroscopy revealed complete patency of the anastomosis. At 11 months, the upper pole moiety remained decompressed on ultrasonography. The patient has remained off antibiotic prophylaxis without further infection. Conclusion: Robot-assisted approaches can be primary or adjunct tools in the definitive treatment of pediatric urolithiasis with concomitant urinary tract abnormalities.

Da Vinci Walks the Pebbled Streets of a Primary Obstructed Megaureter with Ureterocele.

Introduction: Primary obstructed megaureter (POM) usually refers to primary dilated ureters in which vesicoureteral reflux and other secondary causes of lower ureteral obstruction have been ruled out. We herein present a case of obstructed megaureter with a dilated saccular lower end representing an ureterocele and concomitant multiple multifaceted stones almost completely filling the dilated tortuous ureter of a normally functioning and excreting kidney. Materials and Methods: Our index case was a 45-year-old lady with intermittent right flank pain for a year with acute colic since a week. Imaging revealed a grossly dilated tortuous ureter with >50 multifaceted stones all along its length, an ureterocele, and mild hydronephrosis. She underwent a robot-assisted ureterolithotomy and complete stone clearance followed by ureteral reimplantation over an ureteral stent. Results: Postoperative course was uneventful and on follow-up at 3 weeks, stent was removed after checking a cystogram. The da Vinci system with its minimally invasive approach and better ergonomics made it quite convenient to remove all 52 stones, ensuring an excellent postoperative recuperation and incomparable cosmesis. Conclusion: POM in adults is usually symptomatic and associated with complications, and surgery remains the mainstay of treatment when it is associated with calculi. Ureteral tailoring and ureteroneocystostomy with extraction of stones were done for at-risk kidneys and to prevent further renal deterioration. However, these efforts appear futile when the severe renal impairment has set in and nephroureterectomy is thus required. The robotic approach for reconstruction is a safe, effective, and feasible option with excellent perioperative results.

Laparoscopic surgery for upper ureteral calculi in geriatric patients: 5 years experience.

OBJECTIVE: We have reviewed the success of laparoscopic calculi surgeries in geriatric patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the laparoscopic ureterolithotomy surgeries performed at our central between January 2014 and January 2019 to treat upper ureteral calculi in geriatric patients. Among the patients who underwent these surgeries, we evaluated data on 24 cases whose records could be fully retrieved. RESULTS: The age interval of the patients was 60-73 years, and the mean age was 63 ± 3.43 years. The size of the calculi was 19-24 mm, and mean size was 20.2 ± 2.5 mm. Because stone disease was present previously, 5 of these patients underwent endoscopic intervention, whereas two underwent open surgery. Sixteen of these patients had a history of unsuccessful shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) or ureterorenoscopy. The calculi-free rate was 100%. According to the modified Clavien classification, no major perioperative and postoperative complications were observed. The duration of hospital stay was 1-3 days, and the mean duration of stay was 1.6 ± 0.9 days. CONCLUSION: We believe that owing to the high success and low complication rates, laparoscopic ureterolithotomy can be the first option of treatment for geriatric patients with impacted large calculi, with a history of unsuccessful SWL or ureterorenoscopy (semirigid, flexible).