Ureteroscopy With Two Guide Wires: A New Technique
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the use of the two-wire technique for acute dilatation of the intramural ureter for ureteroscopy.
METHODS: Between April 2003 and April 2007, 400 consecutive ureteroscopic procedures were performed. There were 55 patients (40 male, 15 female) with a mean age of 28 years (range, 20-45 years). Patients had acute dilatation of the intramural ureter by the two-wire technique.
RESULTS: The mean operation time was 34 minutes (range, 20–70 minutes). All patients underwent successful ureteroscopy with a semirigid ureteroscope using the two-wire technique. Perforation or intramural false passage of the ureter did not occur. Patients were discharged from the hospital within 6–12 hours. The mean follow-up was 9.7 months (range, 6–18 months). Ultrasonography, intravenous urogram, and voiding cystourethrography were obtained at 3 and 6 months. Ultrasonography was done every 3 months until the end of the follow-up period. Follow-up imaging showed no distal-ureteral stricture or vesicoureteral reflux.
CONCLUSION: Acute dilatation of the intramural ureter by the two-wire technique is cost effective, easy, and time saving with no associated complications
KEYWORDS: Ureteroscopy; Ureteral dilatation; Two-wire technique
CORRESPONDENCE: Wael M Gamal, MD, Department of Urology, Sohag University, 31 el nasr Street, Sohag, Egypt ().