Efficacy and safety of ureteroscopy using holmium-YAG laser lithotripsy in treatment of pediatric ureteral stones.

Background: Endoscopic lithotripsy in pediatrics has increasingly used for the treatment of ureteral stones especially with the accessibility of smaller instruments. The safety and efficacy of Holmium: YAG laser lithotripsy makes it the intracorporeal lithotripter of choice. Aim of Study: To assess the effectives of ureteroscopy using Holmium: YAG lithotripsy in the treatment of ureteric stone in pediatrics. Patients and Methods: 30 children (20 boys and 10 girls) with ureteric stones were treated by semirigid ureteroscope using Holmium: YAG laser lithotripsy between October 2018 to May 2020. Mean patient age 3.6 years (range 8 months to 14 years). Mean stone size 12.8 mm (range 7-20 mm). Preoperative evaluation done including urinalysis, abdominal ultrasonography, plain radiography and blood investigations such as complete blood count and renal function test. Non contract abdominal CT scan used in some cases. Results: The stone free rate was 100% in one session. The mean operative time was 37.3 (25-60 minutes). No significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. Conclusion: Ureteroscopy using Holmium: YAG lithotripsy is safe and effective in treatment of ureteric stone in pediatrics.