Khudaybergenov U, Shomarufov A, Abdukarimov O, Nadjimitdinov Y. Efficacy and safety of semirigid ureterolithotripsy in pediatric urolithiasis: Retrospective analysis from a tertiary center. World J Clin Pediatr 2026; 15(1): 115147 [DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.115147]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Azizbek Shomarufov, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, Tashkent State Medical University, Farabiy 2, Tashkent 100109, Uzbekistan. doctor.shomarufov@gmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Urology & Nephrology
Article-Type of This Article
Retrospective Study
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Khudaybergenov U, Shomarufov A, Abdukarimov O, Nadjimitdinov Y. Efficacy and safety of semirigid ureterolithotripsy in pediatric urolithiasis: Retrospective analysis from a tertiary center. World J Clin Pediatr 2026; 15(1): 115147 [DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v15.i1.115147]
Ulugbek Khudaybergenov, Azizbek Shomarufov, Olimjon Abdukarimov, Yalkin Nadjimitdinov, Department of Urology, Tashkent State Medical University, Tashkent 100109, Uzbekistan
Ulugbek Khudaybergenov, Olimjon Abdukarimov, Yalkin Nadjimitdinov, Republican Specialized Scientific-Practical Medical Center of Urology, Tashkent 100109, Uzbekistan
Azizbek Shomarufov, Department of Surgical Disciplines, Kimyo International University in Tashkent, Tashkent 100121, Uzbekistan
Author contributions: Khudaybergenov U conceived the study concept; Shomarufov A wrote and revised the manuscript; Nadjimitdinov Y designed the research protocol; Abdukarimov O collected clinical data and performed the statistical analysis; all authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Institutional review board statement: Ethics approval was obtained from the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Urology Review Board, No. 1, January 2023.
Informed consent statement: As this was a retrospective study using anonymized patient data, the Institutional Review Board waived the requirement for individual informed consent.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to this study.
Data sharing statement: The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Corresponding author: Azizbek Shomarufov, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, Tashkent State Medical University, Farabiy 2, Tashkent 100109, Uzbekistan. doctor.shomarufov@gmail.com
Received: October 13, 2025 Revised: November 13, 2025 Accepted: January 5, 2026 Published online: March 9, 2026 Processing time: 148 Days and 15 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Endoscopic ureterolithotripsy (EUL) is a minimally invasive and effective treatment for pediatric ureteral stones, offering high success rates while addressing anatomical challenges unique to children.
AIM
To evaluate the success and safety of EUL in pediatric patients, focusing on lithotripsy technique, stone location, and patient-specific variables.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed on 250 children treated with EUL from 2015 to 2022. Laser and pneumatic lithotripsy techniques were compared in terms of stone-free rate (SFR), operative duration, and complication rates. Outcomes were also analyzed by stone location and patient age.
RESULTS
The overall SFR was 92.1%, with rates of 94% for distal, 89% for mid-ureteral, and 91% for proximal stones (P = 0.07). Laser lithotripsy showed a slightly higher success rate than pneumatic lithotripsy (P = 0.08) and slightly shorter operative times (P = 0.1). The mean procedure duration was 42.8 ± 16.3 minutes and was longer for proximal stones (P = 0.04). The overall complication rate was 12.4%, with the highest incidence among children aged 4-7 years (P = 0.02). Average hospital stay was 2.3 ± 0.5 days, with no significant intergroup differences.
CONCLUSION
EUL is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric ureterolithiasis. Laser lithotripsy offers a slightly procedural time advantage, while younger patients are more prone to intraoperative challenges. These findings support EUL as a first-line treatment, with careful planning needed for younger children.
Core Tip: This retrospective study analyzed 250 pediatric cases of semirigid ureterolithotripsy. Both laser and pneumatic lithotripsy demonstrated high stone-free rates and acceptable safety. Laser lithotripsy achieved slightly shorter operative times, while the youngest children had the highest complication rates. These findings highlight the safety and efficacy of endoscopic management of pediatric urolithiasis across all age groups.
