Average, and Maximum Ureteral Wall Thickness are Predictor Factor for Ureteroscopy Outcomes?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of average and maximum ureteral wall thicknesses measured by computed tomography before the operation on ureteroscopy results.Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted with 103 patients who underwent ureteroscopy for ureteral stones between July and December 2021. The maximum ureteral wall thickness in the region of the ureteral stone and the average of the ureteral wall thicknesses measured from the 3-6-9-12 lines were calculated by non-contrast computed tomography. The operation time, residual stone, double j insertion status, and intraoperative complication status were examined according to the average ureteral wall thickness and maximum wall thickness.Results: Of the 103 patients included in the study, 77 were male, and 26 were female. The mean age of the patients was 43.83±15.11 years. The mean stone length was 10.76±3.84 mm. The average ureteral wall thickness was 3.81±1.24 mm, while the maximum ureteral wall thickness was 4.9±1.8 mm. It was found that as the maximum, and average ureteral wall thickness increased, the operation time, residual stone, double insertion rate, and post-ureteroscopic lesion scale grade increased (p<0.05).Conclusion: Maximum and average ureteral wall thicknesses are predictive factors for ureteroscopy results.