Role of Ureteroscoy and Retrograde Studies of the Ureter in Diagnosis and Treatment of Ureteric Pathology

Abstract

Ureteroscopy is defined as upper urinary tract endoscopy performed most commonly with an endoscope passed through the urethra, bladder, and then directly into the upper urinary tract. Indications for ureteroscopy have broadened from diagnostic endoscopy to various minimally invasive therapies. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of Ureteroscopy and retrograde studies in diagnosis and treatment different ureteric pathology. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective cross sectional hospital based study conducted in Khartoum Sudan, in IbnSina hospital, Omdurman Military base hospital ISH, OMBH and SUH in the period between Oct 2012-Sep 2012. It included all patients who underwent Ureteroscopy and retrograde studies Results: Most patients were males in the ages between 31-40 yrs old, Loin pain was the most common presenting symptom in 116(91.3%). The diagnosis was made initially using imaging using U/S, IVU, CT KUB The main indication for ureteroscopy in this study was Ureteric stone (78.7%), These imaging findings when compared to ureteroscopy results showed a discrepancy in diagnosis. Disintegration of stones done in 60 pts (74.2%) and stone extraction was performed in 26 pts (33% ) Post ureteroscopy DJ stenting was performed for all patients who underwent ureteroscopy , (20%) of patients had post-operative complications. Conclusion: In this study it is our opinion that Ureteroscopy and retrograde studies is an effective and safe interventional and diagnostic modality for different ureteal pathology.