Outpatient endoscopic treatment of ureteric stones: Five years' experience in a self-contained outpatient surgery unit.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of more than 5 years' experience in the outpatient treatment of ureteric stones by ureteroscopic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 178 patients, who underwent in total 186 ureteroscopic procedures for ureteric calculi at a clearly defined outpatient surgery department. To obtain data regarding the patient and procedure characteristics and postoperative complications, medical records were reviewed.

RESULTS

Overall stone-free rate (SFR) was 85%. Mean age at surgery was 56.2 years, and 130 (73%) of the patients were males. Median operating time was 53 min (interquartile range 35-72 min), and 75% of the procedures were performed by a trained endourologist. In 153 (82%) of the cases, the procedure did not give rise to any complications. None of the complications required active intervention. It was of no statistical significance (p > 0.05) whether the procedure was performed by a trained endourologist or junior doctor with regard to SFR, but there was a tendency towards fewer complications and shorter operating times in procedures performed by specialists.

CONCLUSIONS

Ureteroscopic removal of ureteral calculi is a safe and efficient procedure that can easily be carried out at an outpatient department. Results regarding operating time and complications were comparable to inpatient procedures, whereas the SFRs were slightly lower in this study compared to inpatient procedures.