Flexible ureteroscopy application in the treatment of small kidney stones in single-seat fighter pilots

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of flexible ureteroscopy in the treatment of small kidney stones in single-seat fighter pilots.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records and follow-up data of 3 male single-seat fighter pilots (respectively aged 23,25 and 27 yr),who accepted flexible ureteroscopy diagnosis and treatment for small kidney stones in our hospital from December 2009 to April 2012.Results There were 1 case of small stone in left kidney and 2 in right.The CT scan showed that the lengths of the stones were ranged from 0.2-0.4 cm.All stone cases were diagnosed in annual health examination.Neither flank pain,urinary irritation symptoms nor visible hematuria was found in all patients.By means of flexible ureteroscopy,2 patients were diagnosed as renal papilla calcifications and 1 was diagnosed as kidney stone accompany with renal papilla calcification.The kidney stone was shattered by the holmium laser.3 patients recovered well and were permitted to fly.The 6-22 months follow-up indicated that all patients flied safely and the recheck of CT scan showed that the renal papilla calcification did not change anymore.Conclusions Flexible ureteroscopy is a safe and effective therapeutic method for treating small kidney stones in single-seat fighter pilots.It can help the pilots recovering to flight,then avoiding pilot grounding or aircraft transition. Key words: Ureteroscopy;  Kidney calculi;  Eligibility determination;  Pilots