title: Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study retrospectively analyzed the data of 213 patients who underwent laparoscopic ureterolithotomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively analyzed the data of 213 patients, in whom we performed conventional laparoscopic ureterolithotomy from April 2006 and January 2015 based on the diagnosis of an upper or middle ureteral stone. Patients with large ureteral stones (>15 mm) or a history of failed shock-wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy were included in the study. Although the retroperitoneal approach was preferred for 170 patients, the transperitoneal approach was used in the remaining 43 patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean patient age was 39.3 ± 12.0 years (range, 18-73). The study population was composed of 78 (26.7%) female and 135 (63.3%) male patients. The mean stone size was 19.7 ± 2.5 mm. The mean operative time was 80.9 ± 10.9 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 63.3 ± 12.7 mL. Intraoperative insertion of a double-J catheter was performed in 76 patients. The overall stone-free rate was 99%. No major complication was observed in any patient. However, conversion to open surgery was necessary in 1 patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With high success and low complication rates, laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is an effective and reliable method that ensures quick recovery and may be the first treatment option for patients with large, impacted ureteral stones, as well as for those with a history of failed primary treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Selçuk
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Şahin
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Dumlupinar University, Kutahya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Bekir
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Aras
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mithat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ekşi
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Adana Numune Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey.
authors.forename: Nevzat Can
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Şener
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Volkan
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tugču
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D061887:Conversion to Open Surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014513:Ureter / Q000601:surgery*; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Laparoscopy; Retroperitoneal; Transperitoneal; Ureterolithotomy