Retroperitoneoscopic versus open mini-incision ureterolithotomy for upper- and mid-ureteric stones: a prospective randomized study

To compare the retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy (RPLU) versus open mini-incision ureterolithotomy (MIOU) for large and impacted proximal or mid-ureteric stones in prospective randomized manner and to assess the outcome results. In a prospective randomized study between January 2009 and December 2012, 35 RPLU and 35 MIOU were included in the study. The indications for ureterolithotomy were as primary treatment of large and impacted stones more than 1.5 cm in the proximal and mid-ureter and as salvage treatment of failed ureteroscopy (URS)/extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). The two groups were compared for visual pain score on the first and second postoperative day, analgesic requirement, stone removal in one attempt, operative time, blood loss, postoperative complications, hospital stays and the period of convalescence. The difference in the visual pain score and the tramadol requirement was significantly higher in MIOU group. The hospital stay (RPLU 2.86 ± 0.43, MIOU 5.71 ± 0.67, P ≤ 0.001) and period of convalescence (RPLU 12.29 ± 4.06, MIOU 24.11 ± 5.55, P ≤ 0.001) were also significantly higher in MIOU group. The complications were 11.4 % (P ≤ 0.02) in RPLU versus 17.4 % in MIOU group. However, the stone removal in one attempt was similar in both groups. In condition of failed URS/SWL, unavailability of the full endoscopic armamentarium and limitation of costs, RPLU and MIOU both are safe and effective treatment options for large impacted upper- and mid-ureteric stones and RPLU has better tolerability, lesser hospital time and equal stone clearance rate.