Comparison of Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy and Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy for the Treatment of Unilateral Upper Ureteral Stone

Plain-language summary

Kidney stones are a common health problem that can cause severe pain, blockage of urine flow, and even long-term kidney damage if left untreated. When stones move from the kidney into the upper part of the ureter (the tube that carries urine to the bladder), treatment often becomes more difficult. Several treatment options are available, including breaking the stones with sound waves, removing them with small telescopes, or performing surgery. However, the best method for larger stones in the upper ureter is still debated. This study will compare two commonly used minimally invasive surgical techniques for removing upper ureteral stones. The first method is ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URS), in which a thin scope is passed through the urinary passage to directly reach the stone and break it into small pieces using a pneumatic device. The second method is laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LU), a keyhole surgical procedure in which small incisions are made in the abdomen, and the stone is removed directly through the ureter. Fifty-six adult patients with a single upper ureteral stone measuring 10-20 mm will be randomly assigned to either URS or LU. Both groups will undergo standard preoperative evaluations, and infection will be treated before surgery. The outcomes will be assessed in terms of operation time, length of hospital stay, level of postoperative pain, use of pain medications, complications during or after surgery, and the stone-free rate (absence of residual stone fragments larger than 3 mm after four weeks). By comparing these two procedures, this study aims to identify which treatment is safer and more effective for patients with upper ureteral stones. The results will provide useful evidence to guide doctors and patients in making the best treatment choices.

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