Comparison of Flexible Ureterorenoscopy and Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy Methods for Proximal Ureteric Stones Greater Than 10 mm

To examine the outcomes and compare the effectiveness of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) in patients with proximal ureteral stones larger than 10 mm in diameter.
In total, 150 patients who underwent laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and FURS because of ureteral stones in our urology clinic from January 2010 to June 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 70 patients who underwent laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (Group 1) and 80 patients who underwent FURS (Group 2). Success rates and complications were compared.
The success rates were 95.7% and 90.0% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively; there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. No statistically or clinically significant complications occurred in either group.
Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and FURS are both effective and reliable for the treatment of proximal ureteral stones. However, considering the shorter operation and hospitalization times and the management of situations that require secondary interventions, we suggest that FURS, as a minimally invasive method, may be the first choice in the treatment of proximal ureteral stones.