Comparison of the Effects of Ureteroscopy with Holmium Laser Lithotripsy and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in the Treatment of Ureteral Calculi.

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy of ureteroscopy with holmium laser lithotripsy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in treating ureteral calculus (UC). Methods: We enrolled 86 patients with UC treated in our urology department from November 2020 to November 2022. Group A (n=43) underwent ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy, while Group B (n=43) received ESWL. We recorded treatment duration, post-treatment hematuria duration, and post-treatment stone clearance rates. Renal function and stress response were assessed before and 3 days after treatment. Post-treatment complications were documented, and patient quality of life was evaluated using the SF-36 health questionnaire. Results: Group A exhibited significantly shorter treatment and post-treatment hematuria durations compared to Group B (P < .05). In stones >1 cm, group A demonstrated a higher clearance rate (P < .05). Post-treatment, Group A showed improved renal function and lower stress response (P < .05). The incidence of post-treatment complications did not differ significantly between groups (P > .05), but SF-36 scores were higher in Group A (P < .05). Conclusions: Ureteroscopy with holmium laser lithotripsy proves effective in UC treatment, contributing to a shortened recovery period and enhanced patient quality of life.