Received: 20 February 2024 / Accepted: 15 March 2024 / Published online: 13 April 2024 | S. Moretto1,2, A. Saita2, C. M. Scoffone3, M. Talso4, B. K. Somanj5, O. Traxer6, O. Angerri7, T. Knoll8, E. Liatsikos9, T. R. W. Herrmann10,11,12, Ø. Ulvik13, A. Skolarikos14, C. M. Cracco3, E. X. Keller15, M. Paciotti2, A. Piccolini1,2, A. Uleri1,2, T. Tally16, L. Carmignani17, A. Pietropaolo5, M. Corrales6, G. Lughezzani1,2, M. Lazzeri2, V. Fasulo1,2, V. De Coninck18, P. Arena1,2, U. Nagele19, S. Ferretti20, P. Kronenberg21, D. Perez-Fentes22, P. J. Osther23, I. K. Goumas24, P. Acquati25, L. Ajayi26, P. Diana7, P. Casale2, N. M. Buffi1,2
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the rates of ureteral stricture (US) following endoscopic treatments for urolithiasis and identify related risk factors. The study included 43 studies with patients aged ≥18 years who underwent endoscopic treatments such as ureteroscopy (URS), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), or shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). The pooled US rates were 1.3% post-SWL, 2.1% post-PCNL, and 1.9% post-URS, increasing to 2.7% in the last five years and 4.9% if the stone was impacted. Patients with proximal ureteral stones, preoperative hydronephrosis, intraoperative ureteral perforation, and impacted stones had higher US risks. The overall US rate ranges from 0.3% to 4.9%, influenced by treatment type, stone location, and impaction. Future standardized reporting and extended follow-up studies are needed to better understand the risks associated with endoscopic treatments for urolithiasis.This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the rates of ureteral stricture (US) following endoscopic treatments for urolithiasis and identify related risk factors. The study included 43 studies with patients aged ≥18 years who underwent endoscopic treatments such as ureteroscopy (URS), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), or shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). The pooled US rates were 1.3% post-SWL, 2.1% post-PCNL, and 1.9% post-URS, increasing to 2.7% in the last five years and 4.9% if the stone was impacted. Patients with proximal ureteral stones, preoperative hydronephrosis, intraoperative ureteral perforation, and impacted stones had higher US risks. The overall US rate ranges from 0.3% to 4.9%, influenced by treatment type, stone location, and impaction. Future standardized reporting and extended follow-up studies are needed to better understand the risks associated with endoscopic treatments for urolithiasis.