title: Outcome of ureteroscopy for treatment of pediatric ureteral stones.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We assess the efficacy and safety of semirigid ureteroscopy for treatment of ureteral stones in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  The records of 18 non-consecutive children with symptomatic ureteral stones treated with ureteroscopy in 2008-2010 were reviewed. Mean age was 7.6 years (range 15 months-14 years). A semirigid (8F) ureteroscope was used in all cases. A 0.038-inch floppy-tipped guidewire was passed through the selected ureteric orifice, advanced under direct vision, and monitored fluoroscopically. Dilatation of the ureteral orifice was necessary in 7 cases. Either direct extraction or disintegration using a pneumatic lithotripter was performed. The follow-up period was 6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ureteroscopic procedures were successfully completed in 16 children (89%). Stones were located at the middle ureter in 3 (19%) cases and various levels of the lower third ureter in 13 (81%) cases. Stone size was 4-10 mm (mean 7 mm). Stones were fragmented with pneumatic lithotripsy in 9 (56%) cases and removed by forceps without fragmentation in 7 (44%). Stent was left in place for 3 days to 3 weeks in 12 (75%) cases. Early postoperative complications were insignificant hematuria in 2 patients and renal colic and fever in 3 patients. No complications were observed during the period of follow up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ureteroscopy is a feasible treatment option for ureteral stones in children, when in skilled hands and with the aid of experience gained in the adult population.
authors: Department of Urology, Minia University Hospital, P.O. 61111, Minia, Egypt. galaluro71@yahoo.com
authors: Ehab Mohamad
authors: EM
authors: Galal
authors: Tarek Khalaf
authors: TK
authors: Fath El-Bab
authors: Amr Mohamad
authors: AM
authors: Abdelhamid
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014513:Ureter / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D018666:Ureteroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*