Antegrade mini-percutaneous flexible ureteroscopy versus retrograde ureteroscopy for treating impacted proximal ureteric stones of 1–2 cm: A prospective randomised study

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively assess the safety and effectiveness of antegrade mini-percutaneous (miniperc) ureteroscopy (URS) and compare it with the conventional retrograde URS (RURS) approach in treating impacted proximal ureteric stones of 1–2 cm. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 60 patients admitted to the Department of Urology, Alexandria Main University Hospital, presenting with impacted proximal ureteric stones of 1–2 cm. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group A, were treated with RURS using a semi-rigid or flexible ureteroscope to access the stone; and Group B, were treated by antegrade miniperc URS, were a 14-F renal tract was obtained to pass a ureteric access sheath, then a flexible ureteroscope was used going downwards to the stone. Holmium laser was used for stone fragmentation. A JJ stent was inserted in all cases. Follow-up with non-contrast computed tomography was performed after 2 weeks. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in terms of patient demographics and stone criteria. The stone-free rate was significantly higher in Group B (83.3%) compared to Group A (60%). The mean (SD) operative time was significantly shorter in Group A vs Group B, at 64.7 (±17.7) vs 112.0 (±15.3) min; while the mean lithotripsy time was comparable between the groups. The mean radiation exposure time was significantly less in Group A (11 s) compared to Group B (200 s). Both groups where comparable concerning minor complications, with no major complications. CONCLUSION: Antegrade miniperc flexible URS is safe and more effective than RURS for treating large impacted proximal ureteric stones. ABBREVIATIONS: ESWL: extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy; KUB: plain abdominal radiograph of the kidneys, ureters and bladder; miniperc: mini-percutaneous; PCNL: percutaneous nephrolithotomy; PCS: pelvi-calyceal system; SFR: stone-free rate; (R)URS: (retrograde) ureteroscopy