Ureteroscopy in Pediatric Patients with Spinal Abnormalities

Abstract Background and Purpose: Ureteroscopy (URS) is considered a safe and effective treatment modality for ureteral stones in the pediatric population. Patients with scoliosis or spinal hardware, however, may have anatomic variability that makes URS challenging because of ureteral deviation or tortuosity. We reviewed 130 ureteroscopic procedures at our institution to determine if presence of spinal hardware or severe spinal deformities was associated with increased complications or worsened treatment efficacy. Patients and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 130 ureteroscopic procedures in 102 patients. Patients were divided into two groups: Those with normal spinal anatomy and those with spinal abnormalities including spinal hardware or moderate to severe scoliosis. Parameters evaluated included patient demographics, stone burden, intraoperative complications (including urinary extravasation, bleeding, or need to abort procedure), and stone-free status. Results: Of 130 ureteroscopic...