Comparative evaluation of the efficacy and safety of antegrade minimally percutaneous nephrolithotomy and retrograde intrarenal surgery in the treatment of upper ureteral impacted stones: a retrospective cohort study

Our results demonstrated that antegrade mPCNL achieves faster stone clearance and a lower re-treatment rate without serious complications in impacted upper ureteric stones. However, RIRS could be a valuable and safe alternative with comparable success rates particularly in cases with contraindications to or unwillingness for mPCNL. Preoperative assessment of ureteral wall thickness (UWT) value may be a good predictor for the possible tissue changes in ureteral wall at stone site to guide the decision making of the most appropriate surgical approach.