Laparoscopic stone surgery for renal and ureteric stones: an evaluation

Abstract

Background:Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and uretrolithotomy have taken the laparoscope out of the confines of the peritoneal cavity and into areas, which were hitherto inaccessible to the laparoscope. Our present study was an evaluation of laparoscopic pyelollithotomy and uretrlithotomy.

Methods: This observational study was conducted at S.N. Medical College and associated hospital, Agra, India in the Department of Surgery to evaluate retroperitoneoscopic surgeries. A total of 38 patients were included with a diagnosis of ureteric calculus and renal calculus.

Results:Average time of operation in laparoscopic pyelolilthotomy was 87.27 minutes and for ureterolithotomy was 58.12 minutes. Conversion was required in 3 cases, mainly because of peritoneal breach or bleeding and ureteric injury. There were complications in the form of persistent pain (15.7%) wound infections (10.52%), urinary leakage (2.6%) and ileus / vomiting (2.6%). Successful retroperitoneoscopic surgeries required lesser postoperative analgesics than the converted cases. The average duration of drain was 1.78 days.

Conclusions:We are entering an exciting new era of minimal access surgery. Our patients will benefit from these new techniques, but we have a responsibility to apply it carefully and only after becoming competent in the performance of these procedures.