Randomized prospective trial comparing immediate versus delayed ureteroscopy for patients with ureteral calculi and normal renal function who present to the emergency department.

PURPOSE

To compare the safety and efficacy of emergency vs scheduled ureteroscopy with a prospective study that included patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) with renal colic from ureteral stones.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

There were 271 consecutive patients who were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients were randomized to emergency ureteroscopy (group A) or delayed ureteroscopy (group B). All patients underwent helical unenhanced CT (HUCT). Stone-free status was defined as the complete absence of residual fragments at 1 week postoperatively, assessed with HUCT, with no need for ancillary interventions after ureteroscopy.

RESULTS

Group A included 139 assessable patients. The overall stone-free rate was 93%. Neither location nor size was a significant prognostic factor (P>0.05). Single-session ureteroscopy failed to clear nine ureteral stones. A Double-J stent was placed in 27/139 patients. Group B included 100 assessable patients. Patients in the control group were scheduled for ureteroscopy after their departure from the ED. The overall stone-free rate was 90%. Single-session ureteroscopy failed to clear 10 ureteral stones. A Double-J stent was placed in 80/100 patients. There were no statistical differences with regard to stone diameter and location, complications, and stone-free rate between group A and group B patients. The rate of Double-J stent positioning was significantly higher (P<0.05) in group B patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, emergency ureteroscopy showed equal efficacy and safety compared with the elective procedure. It has the main advantage of providing both immediate relief from pain and stone fragmentation.