Outcome analysis of holmium laser and pneumatic lithotripsy in the endoscopic management of lower ureteric calculus in pediatric patients: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE: To analyse outcomes of holmium laser and pneumatic lithotripsy in treatment of lower ureteric calculus in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study conducted between August 2013 and July 2015. Inclusion criteria were lower ureteric calculus with stone size ≤1.5cms. Exclusion criteria were other than lower ureteric calculus, stone size ≥1.5cms, congenital renal anomalies, previous ureteral stone surgery. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A underwent pneumatic and group B underwent laser lithotripsy procedure. Patient's baseline demographic and peri-operative data were recorded and analysed. Post operatively X-ray/ultrasound KUB (Kidney, ureter and bladder) was performed to assess stone free status. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients who met the inclusion criteria to ureteroscopic intracorporeal lithotripsy were included. Group A and B included 38 patients in each. Mean age was 12.5±2.49 in Group A and 11.97±2.74 years in Group B respectively (p=0.38). Overall success rate was 94.73% in Group A and 100% in Group B, respectively (p=0.87). CONCLUSION: Holmium Laser lithotripsy is as efficacious as pneumatic lithotripsy and can be used safely for the endoscopic management of lower ureteric calculus in pediatric patients. However, holmium laser requires more expertise and it is a costly alternative.