Stone Clearance rate of Intracorporeal Pneumatic Lithotripsy for Mid Ureteric Stone of Size 1-2cm

Original Article

Abstract

Background: Urolithiasis is a common urological disorder associated with significant morbidity and recurrence. Mid-ureteric stones frequently cause severe pain, obstruction, and impaired quality of life. Intracorporeal pneumatic lithotripsy is widely used for the management of ureteric stones because of its availability, affordability, and favorable clinical outcomes.

Objective: To determine the stone clearance rate of intracorporeal pneumatic lithotripsy for mid-ureteric stones measuring 1–2 cm in patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital.

Methodology: A prospective descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from 30 January 2024 to 30 July 2024. A total of 183 patients aged 18–60 years with radiopaque mid-ureteric stones measuring 1–2 cm were included through non-probability consecutive sampling. Patients with coagulopathy, pregnancy, urinary tract infection, or previous ureteric intervention were excluded. All patients underwent ureterorenoscopic intracorporeal pneumatic lithotripsy using a semi-rigid ureteroscope and Swiss Pneumatic Lithoclast. Stone clearance was assessed by non-contrast CT KUB two weeks after the procedure. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of participants was 39.89 ± 12.38 years. Among the 183 patients, 103 (56.3%) were male and 80 (43.7%) were female. Stone clearance was achieved in 147 (80.3%) patients. Higher stone clearance rates were observed in patients aged 36–50 years, male gender, right-sided ureteric stones, lower body mass index, and shorter pain duration. Significant associations were observed between stone clearance and age, laterality, pain duration, and body mass index (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Intracorporeal pneumatic lithotripsy demonstrated a high stone clearance rate for mid-ureteric stones measuring 1–2 cm and may be considered an effective treatment modality in selected patients