Laser-puncture of the ureterocele in neonatal patients significantly decreases an incidence of de novo vesico-ureteral reflux than electrosurgical incision

SUMMARY Introduction Endoscopic laser-puncture or electrosurgical incision are the most commonly used minimaly invasive approaches for the treatment of the ureterocele. Both techniques are mainly successful in decompressing of ureteroceles, but the consequence of such treatment may be formation of de novo vesicoureteral reflux and febrile urinary tract infection which could impact the final results. Objective To compare outcomes of treatment of two endoscopic techniques used in management of neonatal patients with intravesical ureterocele. Study design A case records of 64 neonates who underwent endoscopic procedures for intravesical ureterocele, performed at our institution from January 2005 to January 2021, were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided in two groups depending on used endoscopic procedure. The first group (n=41) consisted of patients who underwent electrosurgical incision of the ureterocele, while the second group (n=23) consisted of patients in whom 6 to 8 laser-punctures of the ureterocele were performed. The groups were compared in regards to outcomes of treatment, with special emphasis on de novo vesicoureteral reflux and the need for further treatment and surgery. Results Median follow-up was 7.5 (IQR 3, 11.5) and 3.5 (IQR 1.5, 5) years in the electroincision and laser-puncture groups, respectively (P=0.017). No significant differences between the groups in regards to medians of duration of surgery (12 min vs. 11 min, P=0.670), length of hospital stay (2 days in both groups, P=0.988) or postoperative obstruction (n=1 vs. n=0, P>0.999) were recorded. Ureterocele decompression was achieved after endoscopic treatment in 87.9% and 100% of the patients in electrosurgery and laser-puncture groups, respectively (P=0.150). Five patients (12.1%) from electrosurgery group required endoscopic retreatment. The laser-puncture group had a significantly decreased rate of de novo vesicoureteral reflux (8.7% vs. 58.5%; P=0.0001) and lower incidence of subsequent surgery due to de novo vesicoureteral reflux (50% vs. 62.5%; P=0.727). Conclusion Both electrosurgical incision and laser-puncture endoscopic techniques are safe and effective in relieving the obstruction. Laser-puncture technique is associated with significantly lower incidence of de novo vesicoreteral reflux and accordingly fewer invasive procedures for neonatal patients.