Keywords
ureteroscopy
lithotripsy
cystolitholapaxy
urology
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: Urinary tract calculi represent one of the most prevalent benign urological conditions worldwide, with a lifetime risk exceeding 50% in some populations. Despite advances in minimally invasive techniques, management extends beyond stone extraction to encompass residual fragments, infectious complications, recurrence prevention, and long‑term patient outcomes.
The Aim is to evaluate the contemporary surgical workload of a regional referral department, describe treatment distribution by stone location, and quantify early postoperative complications.
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 168 consecutive patients treated for urinary tract calculi at the Department of Urology, Clinical Hospital of Tetovo, between January 2025 and January 2026. Stones were classified by anatomical site (ureter, kidney, bladder) and managed according to European and American guideline recommendations. Demographic data, treatment modality, and early complications were extracted and graded using a Clavien‑Dindo–compatible system.
Results: The cohort included 126 men (75.0%) and 42 women (25.0%), aged 24–68 years. Ureteral stones (104 cases, 61.9%) were managed exclusively with semirigid ureteroscopy. Renal stones (44 cases, 26.2%) were treated with extracorporeal shock‑wave lithotripsy (24 cases) or flexible ureterorenoscopy (20 cases). Bladder stones (20 cases, 11.9%) were managed by cystolitholapaxy (16 cases) or open cystolithotomy (4 cases). Early complications were minor: prolonged haematuria (9.5%), urinary tract infection (6.5%), mild urethral stricture (1.8%), and incomplete fragmentation requiring re‑treatment (2.4%). No complication exceeded Clavien‑Dindo grade III.
Conclusions: Guideline‑concordant, location‑based strategies yielded a safe complication profile dominated by self‑limiting events. Modern stone care emphasizes infection control, complete stone clearance, and metabolic prevention, underscoring the shift from purely technical removal toward comprehensive long‑term management.
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