Laparoscopic transperitoneal ureterolithotomy for recurrent lower-ureteral stones previously treated with open ureterolithotomy: initial experience in 11 cases

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate transperitoneal ureterolithotomy by laparoscopy (TPUL) for the management of recurrent lower-ureteral stones previously treated with open surgery.

Patients and methods: Between January 2003 and June 2006, 11 patients (mean age 35.2 years) with recurrent large (mean size 2.8 cm) lower-ureteral calculi and normal renal function underwent TPUL. Seven stones were on the left side, and the remaining four were on the right side. These stones were recurrent after previous open ureterolithotomy. Earlier attempts with ureteroscopy (for three patients) had failed.

Results: The TPUL was successful in all cases. The mean operating time was 85.2 minutes. Two patients required no narcotic analgesics, while the other patients received a mean of 2.3 10-mg doses of morphine sulfate for postoperative pain relief. The mean hospital stay was 3.8 days. The mean convalescence period was 13.7 days. There were no major intraoperative or postoperative complications. Prolonged urine leakage for 7 and 9 days occurred in two patients, which was managed conservatively. All patients were asymptomatic, stone free, and without obstruction or stricture formation on follow-up that included abdominal ultrasonography and plain films after 6 weeks and intravenous urography after 6 months. There was no deterioration of renal function.

Conclusions: Laparoscopic transperitoneal ureterolithotomy is a feasible technique for the management of recurrent lower-ureteral stones after previous open ureterolithotomy that are not amenable to ureteroscopy or SWL. It is a minimally invasive, less-morbid alternative to open transperitoneal ureterolithotomy.