Predictors of success performing ureterolitotripsy

Introduction. Urolithiasis is one of the most common diseases seen by urologists. In 28% of patients with kidney stones, the disease is symptomatic. The benefits of ureteral stone extraction include minimal invasiveness, a shorter postoperative recovery time, and a favourable safety profile. Aim: to compare and evaluate the relationship between the density of the ureter, the density of the calculus, its localization and the value of the creatinine level and predicting the success of ureterolithoextraction. Materials and methods. In total, 125 ureteral lithotripsy procedures were performed (42 in women and 83 in men). Initially, the patients were divided into two groups. In the first group, ureteral stone extraction was performed in 97 patients. The second group included 28 patients with ureteral stent placement, without ureteral lithotripsy. In percentage terms, the increase in mean calculus size in the groups (10%) was less significant than the increase in ureter density under the calculus (65%). Results. There was no relationship between the ureter density under the calculus and the residence time of the calculus in the ureter. However, there is a relationship between the residence time of the calculus and the anatomical narrowing of the ureter, which may affect the success of the procedure. Elevated creatinine levels in the group with initial ureteral stent placement may indicate impaired urine passage from the kidney. Conclusions. Routine measurement of the ureter density under the calculus during MSCT may be an additional parameter in determining the surgical treatment method.