Flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy is safe and efficient for renal stone <2 cm accompanied with persistent urinary tract infection

Background and Objective: The aim is to study the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (fURSL) for renal stone with persistent urinary tract infection (UTI). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively included 15 cases of patients diagnosed with renal stone together with persistent UTI, who were treated with fURSL from October 2011 to June 2015. A group of 15 patients diagnosed with renal stone, without any sign of persistent UTI, were set as control group. Standard fURSLs were performed by two experienced urologists. Vital signs, routine blood test and kidney, urine, and bladder were observed as well. The double J stent was removed 2–4 weeks after the operation. Results: All operations were done in one-stage. In UTI group, the average operation time was 30 ± 21 min (15–50 min). The stone-free rate (SFR) was 93.3% (14/15). Two cases (13.3%) of fever were observed after the operation, all happened within 6 h postoperatively, with the highest temperature of 39°C. All patients were cured with antibiotics. Conclusions: It is safe to perform fURSL on renal stone patients with persistent UTI under the protection of sensitive antibiotics. The SFR and postoperative complications were acceptable. Low-pressure irrigation and careful postoperative observation are of great importance for these patients.