Urologie pro praxi 3/2023

Problematics of solving lithiasis and strictures of the ureter

Urolithiasis is a globally widespread disease of the urinary system affecting all age groups. In the last few decades, the prevalence of urolithiasis has been increasing worldwide and represents a serious medical but also a socioeconomic problem. Due to technological developments during the last two decades, ureteroscopic lithotripsy become a common method of treatment for upper urinary tract stones worldwide. It is a very effective and minimally invasive method. However, during an endoscopic procedure, injury to the ureter can occur which results in decreased peristalsis at the site of the insult, stimulation of ureteral hypertrophy, and initiation of scarring in the muscle layer of the ureteral wall, which leads to the formation of a stricture. The stricture itself can obstruct the normal flow of urine, resulting into hydronephrosis, scarring of renal parenchyma, decreased kidney function, and in some patients can even cause permanent loss of renal function.

Keywords: ureteroscopy, ureteral stricture, risk factors.