Flexible Ureterorenoscopy With Holmium Laser in Horseshoe Kidneys

Objectives To assess the outcome of flexible ureterorenoscopy (F-URS) with the holmium laser in treating stones in the horseshoe kidney (HSK). Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 17 patients with a HSK stone (17 renal units) who had undergone F-URS with the holmium laser from December 2004 to May 2009. The presenting symptoms were renal colic, urinary tract infection, or hematuria. F-URS was used in as an alternative after the failure of shock wave lithotripsy in 8 patients (47%) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy failure in 4 patients (23.5%). Follow-up examination was performed after 4-6 weeks with plain radiography and either renal ultrasonography or noncontrast computed tomography. Success was defined as stone-free status or residual fragments