Do outcomes of ureteroscopic stone treatment vary with stone composition? A prospective analysis

INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract calculi are commonly treated with ureteroscopy and laser stone fragmentation (URSL). The composition of calculi depends on underlying patient factors. Stones associated with metabolic or infectious conditions are sometimes thought to be more difficult to treat. This analysis explores whether the composition of calculi impacts on stone-free and complication rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing URSL between 2012–2021 was used to explore records for patients with uric acid (Group A), infection (Group B) and calcium oxalate monohydrate (Group C) calculi. Patients who had undergone URSL to treat ureteric or renal calculi were included. Patient demographics, stone parameters and operative details were collected, with the principal outcomes being stone-free rate (SFR) and associated complications. RESULTS: A total of 352 patients were included (58 Group A, 71 Group B and 223 Group C patients) and had their data analysed. SFR was >90% for all three groups and a single Clavien-Dindo grade III complication was noted. No significant differences were found between the groups for complications, SFR and day case rates. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort of patients demonstrated that outcomes were similar for three different types of urinary tract calculi, which form for differing reasons. URSL appears to be an effective, safe treatment for all stone types with comparable results.