Ballistic Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy in Prepubertal Patients: A Feasible Option for Ureteral Stones

Objective: To evaluate the role of ballistic ureteroscopic lithotripsy in children with ureteral stones. Materials and Methods: Children under 14 years with ureteral stones were treated with ureteroscopy in a 5-year period in our institution. Results: Twenty-three procedures were performed in 20 children. Mean surgical time, age and stone size were 31 min. (15- 120min.), 11 years. (4-13 years), 5.3 mm (3-10 mm) respectively. Three patients underwent two ballistic ureteroscopic lithotripsy each. There were 22 successful procedures (96%) and a 100 % stone-free rate per patient. Complications (mu-cosal tear) occurred in 2 procedures (8%) without extravasation of contrast media on retrograde pyelogram and their follow-up was uneventful. Conclusion: Ureteroscopic ballistic lithotripsy is a feasible option for ureteral stones in prepubertal patients, with high stone-free rate and few complications. Key words: ureteral calculi; child; ureteroscopy; complications Int Braz J Urol. 2006; 32: 322-