Clinico-demographic Profile and Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Semirigid Ureteroscopy for Ureteric Calculi: An Ambispective Cohort Study

Abstract Background: Urolithiasis is a common condition with increasing prevalence worldwide, often requiring intervention for ureteric stones larger than 10 mm. Semi-rigid ureteroscopy (URS) is a minimally invasive and effective treatment, yet data on perioperative morbidity and outcomes, especially in Indian populations, remain limited. Objective: To evaluate the clinico-demographic profile, stone characteristics, perioperative morbidities, and postoperative complications in patients undergoing semi-rigid URS for ureteric calculi. Materials and Methods: This ambispective cohort study included 100 adult patients undergoing semi-rigid URS at a tertiary care center in Delhi, India. Data on demographics, stone size and location, surgical details, and complications were collected retrospectively (2009–2019) and prospectively (2021 onwards). Complications were classified using the modified Clavien–Dindo system. Patients were followed for 14 days postoperatively. Results: The mean patient age was 37.7 years, with 55% males. Most stones were single (91%) and located in the lower ureter (39%), with a mean size of 9.83 mm. Retrograde URS was performed in 80% of cases. The overall complication rate was 31%, primarily Grade 1–2. Intraoperative complications included proximal stone migration (15%) and mucosal injury (14%). Postoperative complications included hematuria (10%), fever (7%), urinary tract infection (6%), and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (7%). The mean hospital stay was 3.7 days, and the stone-free rate was 76%. Conclusion: Semi-rigid URS is a safe and effective modality for ureteric stone management, with acceptable perioperative morbidity and high stone clearance rates. Careful surgical technique and postoperative care, including timely stent management, are essential to optimize the outcomes.