A novel ureter dilatation method for replacing hydromantic perfusion pump during ureteroscopic lithotripsy in patients with ureteral calculi and ibroepithelial polyps.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of a novel ureter dilatation method during ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy in patients with ureteral calculi and polyps. Clinical information of 86 patients with ureter calculi and polyps who underwent ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy was reviewed. A cavity-distention machine was used in 44 cases to inject normal saline for keeping clear operation view (cavity-distention machine-assisted group). A high handled water bag with artificial water injection (traditional pneumatic lithotripsy group) was used in 42 cases. The total operation time, time of stone removal, stone clearance rate and surgery complications were compared between two groups. All operations were successful with no patients transferred to open surgery. No ureter breakage or avulsion occurred in two groups. Two patients in traditional pneumatic lithotripsy group suffered from ureter perforation. In cavity-distention machine-assisted group and traditional pneumatic lithotripsy group, the total operation time was 30.1±4.8 min and 36.2±6.0 min, respectively (t=-5.22, P<0.01); the time of stone removal was 6.4±1.3 min and 9.3±1.5 min, respectively (t=-9.59, P<0.01); the stone clearance rate was 100% (44/44) and 95.2% (40/42; upper ureter stone immigrated to the renal pelvis in 2, and extraorgan shock wave lithotripsy was performed), respectively. Thus, intraoperative infusion of saline with a cavity-distention machine may replace the hydromantic perfusion pump to maintain a clear operation view and favor the stone removal in lesser time. This method has important clinical value in the treatment of ureteral calculi and polyps.