Holmium: Yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser for endoscopic decompression of ureterocele in the first months of life: A comparison with electrosurgery

INTRODUCTION: Few case series report the use of holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser to decompress ureterocele (UC) in pediatric population, and only two studies compared its outcomes with electrosurgery. This study aims to compare outcomes of Ho:YAG laser transurethral endoscopic puncture (TUP) versus electrosurgery TUP of UC in the 1(st) month of life, analyzing incidence of secondary surgery, redo TUP, and iatrogenic vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients treated by TUP of UC from 2008 to 2017 was performed. Those undergoing Ho:YAG laser TUP were included in Group A, those undergoing electrocautery TUP were included in Group B. Data were compared using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Group A included seven patients (mean follow-up 4 years). Two required a redo TUP. Two had preoperative VUR, which resolved after TUP. Two developed VUR after TUP, which resolved spontaneously. No secondary surgery was required. Group B included nine patients (mean follow-up: 9.5 years). One required a redo TUP. Preoperative VUR was detected in 4/9 and persisted after TUP in 2. Three developed post-TUP VUR, which persisted. Five required further surgery because of persistent and symptomatic VUR. Secondary surgery was significantly lower after Ho:YAG laser compared to electrocautery TUP (P < 0.05). The incidences of both redo TUP and postoperative VUR were not significantly different between the two groups (P = ns). CONCLUSION: Ho:YAG laser TUP seems to be safe and effective in the decompression of obstructive UCs and maybe advantageous over electrocautery puncture. However, further studies with larger cohort are needed to corroborate our preliminary results.