Impact of Lower Pole Stone Location on Outcomes of Pediatric Flexible Ureteroscopy: Results From a Large Endourology Multicentric Cohort Study

The Journal of Urology 2026

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Authors: Demetra Fuligni, Carlotta Nedbal, Numan Baydilli, Halil Tosun, Deniz Demirci, Mevlüt Keleş, Deepak Ragoori, Steffi Yuen, Chandra Mohan Vaddi, Soundarya Ganesan, Olivier Traxer, Daniele Castellani
+4 more Yesica Quiroz Madarriaga, Anna Bujon Tur, Bhaskar Kumar Somani, Vineet Gauhar
DOI: 10.1097/ju.0000000000005215
Cited by: 1

Abstract

PURPOSE: Management of lower pole (LP) stones in pediatric patients remains challenging because of anatomical factors that may limit stone clearance. This multicenter study evaluated the impact of stone location (LP vs non-LP) on perioperative outcomes and stone-free rates (SFR) following flexible ureteroscopy (fURSL) and identified independent predictors of procedural success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: < .05. RESULTS: = .13). CONCLUSIONS: Although LP stones require longer procedures and are associated with lower ultrasound SFR, stone location alone does not independently predict treatment success. Optimized preoperative stenting and meticulous intraoperative technique may mitigate anatomical challenges and improve outcomes in pediatric LP stones.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Kidney Stones and Urolithiasis Treatments Pediatric Urology and Nephrology Studies Ureteral procedures and complications

Publication details

Journal / source
The Journal of Urology
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Volume
216
Issue
5
Pages
101097JU0000000000005215–101097JU0000000000005215
Publication date
14 July 2026
Language
EN