A Novel Semirigid Ureterorenoscope with Vacuum Suctioning System for Management of Single Proximal Ureteral and Renal Pelvic Stones: An Initial Experience

Abstract

Introduction:

A novel semirigid ureterorenoscope, named the Sotn ureterorenoscope, was designed with a vacuum suction system. The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of using the Sotn ureterorenoscope to manage single proximal ureteral or renal pelvic stones.

Patients and Methods:

Data were retrospectively collected from consecutive patients treated with a Sotn ureterorenoscope between February 2010 and August 2015 at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and Jiangmen Wuyi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in China. The primary outcome was the primary stone-free rate (SFR) in 1 month. The secondary outcomes were the final SFR and the perioperative complication rate.

Results:

A total of 386 patients were evaluated, including 240 males and 146 females. The median (interquartile range [IR]) age was 50 (40–59) years. There were 96 and 290 stones located in the renal pelvis and proximal ureter, respectively. The median (IR) operative time and console time for all patients were 40 (30–70) and 20 (12–38) minutes, respectively. The primary overall SFR was 86.5%, whereas the SFRs for stones with a diameter of ≤1, 1 to 2, and 2 to 3 cm were 95.7%, 86.9%, and 69.0%, respectively. Complications occurred in 90 patients (23.3%); these complications were classified as Clavien–Dindo grades 1 to 2 (minor) in 79 (20.5%) patients, and grades 3 to 4 (major) in 11 (2.8%).

Conclusions:

The novel semirigid Sotn ureterorenoscope featuring a vacuum suction system is effective and safe for managing proximal ureteral and renal pelvic stones.