Ureteroscopy and Laser Lithotripsy for Treatment of Ureteral Stones in Pregnants: Single Center Experience

Objective: To report our ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy experiences in the treatment of symptomatic ureter stones in pregnants which do not respond to conservative treatment Methods: A total of 6 pregnants aged between 22-33 years in second or third trimester were studied. Holmium-YAG laser lithotripsy was performed with 6.5 F semirigid uretroscope. Results: The diagnosis of ureter stone was made with abdominal ultrasonography in 5 patients and with magnetic resonance in one patient. Adequate stone fragmentation was performed in 2 mid-ureter and 4 distal-ureter stones. J stent was applied in one patient after the fragmentation process. The mean operation time was 24.8 ± 10.0 minutes after the entry of bladder with ureteroscope under spinal anesthesia. No urologic, anesthetic or obstetric complication was seen and all patients gave healthy birth at term. Conclusion: Fine calibrated ureteroscopes for the treatment of ureter stones in pregnants are fast and effective treatment modalities which decrease the operation time and remove difficulties in entering the ureter. Key words: Pregnancy, urolithiasis, ureteroscopy, lithotripsy, Holmium-YAG laser