Özet:

Objective: Ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) is a com­mon treatment alternative in ureteral stones. We aimed to evaluate pneumatic and laser lithotripsy techniques, which are used for fragmentation of stones. Materials and methods: The data of 100 patients who underwent URSL by using pneumatic and laser lithotrip­tors were analyzed. The sample divided in 2 groups, each including 50 patients. URSL was performed in lithotomy position under general anesthesia. The absence of re­sidual stone at second week urinary system graphy was accepted as the criteria of success. We evaluated the presence of differences in terms of efficiency and cost-effectivity of pneumatic and laser lithotripsy techniques. Results: The mean ages were 42 and 45 years, respec­tively. The mean operation time was 43.1 min in pneumat­ic group and 40 min in laser group. Stone-free rates were found 93.9% and 78%, respectively. The stone migration rate was determined 16% in pneumatic group and 4.1% in laser group. Complication rates were 4.1% in pneumatic group and 8% in laser group. The cost analysis showed that pneumatic lithotriptor device cost 10000 TL and laser lithotriptor system cost 76000 TL. Nevertheless, the So­cial Security Administration paid the same cost for both lithotripsy techniques. Conclusion: Higher stone-free and lower stone migra­tion rates were determined in laser lithotripsy application. Therefore, low incidence of the requirement of subse­quent secondary treatments for residual stones in laser treatment decreased the treatment costs. Nevertheless, the cost is significantly higher in laser technique. It re­quires more detailed studies.

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