Abstract
Background: Urolithiasis is a common cause of obstructive uropathy and one of the leading urological emergencies worldwide. Ureteral stones constitute a significant proportion of urinary tract calculi and frequently present with acute renal colic requiring urgent medical attention. Recent advances in endourological techniques have enabled emergency ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URS) to be performed as a definitive treatment during the initial hospital admission, potentially reducing patient morbidity, repeated hospital visits, and the need for temporary urinary diversion.
Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of emergency ureteroscopic lithotripsy in patients presenting with ureteral stones.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from 6th April 2024 to 6th October 2024. A total of 144 patients aged 16–70 years of either gender presenting with ureteral stones underwent emergency ureteroscopic lithotripsy within the defined study period. Efficacy was assessed by complete stone clearance, while safety was evaluated by the absence of major complications including significant blood loss, abdominal distension, and sepsis.
Results: The mean age of the study population was 45.21 ± 15.45 years. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 124 patients (86.1%). The procedure was considered safe in 127 patients (88.2%), with no major complications reported according to the predefined outcome measures.
Conclusion: Emergency ureteroscopic lithotripsy demonstrated a high stone-free rate with an acceptable safety profile in patients presenting with ureteral stones. The procedure represents an effective definitive treatment option in appropriately selected patients and may reduce morbidity associated with delayed intervention.