PEDIATRIC URETEROSCOPY - TECHNIQUE AND PRELIMINARY-RESULTS

Ureteroscopic management of ureteral obstruction in children presents a challenge to the urologist because of the use of relatively large in struments in smaller anatomy, The authors present our initial experien ce and describe the technique and equipment found to be most useful. E leven ureteroscopic procedures were performed in ten patients, either for stone extraction or diagnostic evaluation of ureteral obstruction, Six of seven patients with ureteral stones became stone free, and the stone load was reduced to 25% in the remaining patient. Diagnostic ur eteroscopy for ureteral obstruction was successfully performed in four patients. There were no intraoperative ureteral injuries and no posto perative complications, Pediatric ureteroscopy appears to be safe and effective for the diagnosis and treatment of distal ureteral obstructi on. Further studies and longer follow-up are necessary to determine wh ether this technique will prove as successful in children as it has be en in the adult population.