Factors predicting duration and success of semirigid ureteroscopy for ureteral stones in different localizations.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to determine the factors predicting the duration and successof semirigid ureteroscopy performed for the treatment of ureteral stones in different localizations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of the patients whom under went semirigid ureteroscopy for urolithiasis in our centre between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The study group composed of 170 patients and divided into three subgroups; of which 54 in proximal ureter (31.8%), 51 in the mid (30 %) and 65 (38.2%) in the distal ureter. Predictive factors of semirigid ureteroscopy duration and success were determined by performance of correlation analysis and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Overall stone-free rate was calculated as 78.8%. Success rates for proximal, mid and distal ureteral stones were 72.2% (39/54 patients), 74.5% (38/51 patients) and 87.7% (57/65 patients), respectively. Complications were present in 19 patients (11.2%). Multivariate analysis indicated that stone diameter and stone burden independently affected the stone-free rate. Statistically significant negative correlation was determined between success of the procedure and stone diameter, stone burden, impaction and more proximal stone localization. While there was a statistically significant positive correlation between duration of procedure and stone burden, diameter, impaction, historyof ipsilateral ureteroscopy and more proximal stone localization, there was negative correlation between duration of procedure and stone-free status. CONCLUSION: We conclude that stone diameter, stone burden, impaction and more proximal stone localization are common factors affecting both duration and success of semirigid ureteroscopy. In addition, stone size and stone burden were determined as independent markers of stone-free status.