Factors affecting the effectiveness and success of retrograde holmium laser endopyelotomy as the primary treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults

Purpose: To evaluate the factors affecting the effectiveness, safety, and success of retrograde holmium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser endopyelotomy as the primary treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults. Methods: Adult patients who underwent retrograde holmium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser endopyelotomy as the primary treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction between January 2012 and June 2016 at our clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Success was defined as the relief of symptoms and the resolution of obstruction, as assessed via radiography. Factors affecting success were analyzed, such as the clinical characteristics, procedural outcomes, complications, and the type of ureteroscopy used in the procedure. Results: Procedural success was achieved in 29 (74.4%) out of 39 patients, with a mean age of 38.3 ± 12.3 years during a median follow-up duration of 44 (33–65) months. Failure occurred at a median of 4.5 (3–22) months. It was detected that the presence of primary obstruction, ipsilateral kidney function being >30% of normal, and the length of obstruction being