Application of Balloon Dilation Technique When Difficult Ureteroscope Accessing in Ureteroscopic Holmium Laser Lithotripsy in Children
Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of balloon dilation technique when difficult ureteroscope accessing in ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy in children.Methods Clinical data of 23 patients(25 sides)receiving ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy with using balloon dilatation technique from March 2020 to October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.When it was difficult to insert ureteroscope,the ureteral balloon catheter was retrogradely inserted through the ureteroscopic working channel to dilate the narrow part of the ureteral lumen.After dilation,the holmium laser fiber was inserted to powder the stones.Results Of the 23 patients(25 sides)with ureteral calculi,transcatheter ureteral balloon dilation was carried out in 26 places during the operation,including 23 places located in the inner part of the ureteral bladder wall and 3 places located in the lower part of the ureter.The extent of ureteral injury at dilated sites was grade Ⅰ in 23 places and grade Ⅱ in 3 places,respectively.After ureteral balloon dilatation,continued lithotripsy succeeded on 23 sides and failed on 2 sides.No complications related to ureteral dilated balloon catheter were found.The time for removing double-J ureteral stents was 26-45 d(mean,33.5±5.2 d),during which urinary tract infection occurred in 5 cases.Urinary system ultrasound examination was performed within 2 weeks after removal of double-J ureteral stents.The calculi were discharged in all the children,without hydronephrosis.No ureteral stenosis was observed in all the children during 6-24 months(mean,13.7 months)of postoperative follow-ups.Conclusion It is safe and effective to dilate the ureteral with balloon dilation technique through the working channel when difficult ureteroscope accessing.