Rigid Operative Ureterorenoscopy in Children

Five children ages 4 to 8 years who had ureteral stones underwent rigid ureteroscopy with an 11.5F instrument. No dilatation of the urethra or ureteral meatus was necessary. All ureteral stones were removed by ultrasound lithotripsy (four cases) or basket extraction. There were no infectious or adverse anatomic or functional consequences. Three children have since been freed of renal stones by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), and a fourth, who has staghorn stones bilaterally, will undergo ESWL in the future. Rigid ureteroscopy can be performed safely in children and will extend the indications for ESWL by allowing better management of Steinstrasse.