Risk factors of morbidity and mortality after flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy

Abstract

The use of the flexible ureteroscope for treating renal and ureteral calculi has rapidly increased in the last decade. Although the use of the flexible ureteroscope by experienced surgeons has excellent outcomes and safety profiles, several studies have reported many surgical complications with its use. We conducted a narrative review of the published literature sourced from PubMed. We used a combination of three keywords: “ureteroscope,” “morbidity,” and “urolithiasis,” with or without the additional keywords of “infection,” “mortality,” “hematoma,” and “ureteral injury.” Infection, bleeding, and ureteral injury are the main complications. We analyzed the possible causes of morbidity and death after the use of a flexible ureteroscope. Finally, we propose recommendations to prevent these complications.