Single-use flexible ureteroscopes: Comparative in vitro analysis of four scopes

Objective:Single-use flexible ureteroscopes(fURSs)have recently been introduced by different companies.Goal of this in-vitro study was to compare four fURSs.Methods:We performed in vitro analysis of Uscope 7.5 Fr and Uscope 9.5 Fr(Pusen Ltd.,Zhuhai,China),LithoVue 9.5 Fr(LithoVue
,Boston Scientific,MA,USA),and Indoscope 9.5 Fr(Bioradmedisys
,Pune,India).Optical characteristics(image resolution,color representation,and luminosity)were compared at various distances of 10 mm,20 mm,and 50 mm.Deflection and irrigation were evaluated with and without accessories.Results:Color perception was comparable for all scopes at 10 mm(p<0.05),while Lithovue 9.5 Fr was comparable with Indoscope 9.5 Fr at the distances of 20 mm and 50 mm.Both scopes were statistically better than both Uscopes at the distances of 20 mm and 50 mm.Image resolution powers were comparable amongst all fURSs at the distances of 10 mm and 20 mm(3.56 line pairs per millimeter[lp/mm]).However,Indoscope(3.56 lp/mm)was superior to LithoVue and Uscope scopes(3.17 lp/mm)at the distance of 50 mm.Luminosity at the distance of 10 mm was comparable for LithoVue and Uscope 9.5 Fr.However,at the distances of 20 mm and 50 mm,LithoVue had the highest luminosity while Uscope 7.5 Fr had the lowest one.Indoscope had lower luminosity than other 9.5 Fr scopes at all distances.With empty working channel and 200 mm laser fiber,Indoscope had the maximum deflection(285
).With basket,Uscope 7.5 Fr had the maximum loss of deflection(30
)while Indoscope had no deflection loss.With empty working channel,all scopes had comparable irrigation flow rates in both deflected and undeflected state.Similarly,with 200 mm laser or basket,irrigation flow rates were comparable in all scopes.Conclusion:Color representation was equivalent for Indoscope and LithoVue,while being better than Uscope 7.5 Fr and Uscope 9.5 Fr.Image resolution was comparable in all scopes at the distances of 10 mm and 20 mm.Beyond the distance of 10 mm,luminosity of LithoVue was the highest and that of Uscope 7.5 Fr was the lowest.Deflection loss was the minimum with Indoscope and the maximum with 7.5 Fr Uscope.Under all scenarios,irrigation flow rates were comparable in all scopes.

Evaluation of the mechanisms of damage to flexible ureteroscopes and suggestions for ureteroscope preservation

Aim： To investigate the causes and costs of flexible ureteroscope damage, and to develop recommendations to limit damage. Methods： The authors analysed repair figures and possible causes of damage to 35 instruments sent for repair to a leading UK supplier over a 1-year period, and calculated cost figures for maintenance of the instruments as opposed to repair and replacement costs. Results： All damages were handling-induced and therefore did not fall under the manufacturer＇s warranty： 28 % were damaged by misfiring of the laser inside the instrument; 72 %, mainly crushing and stripping of the ureteroscope shaft tube, were likely to have occurred during out-of-surgery handling, washing and disinfection. Seventeen （4 %） instruments were not repaired and consequently taken out of service due to the extensive costs involved. Eighteen （51%） ureteroscopes were repaired at an average cost of 10 833 USD. Conclusion： Damages to flexible ureteroscopes bear considerable costs. Most damages occur during handling between surgical procedures. Thorough adherence to handling procedures, and courses for theater staff and surgeons on handling flexible instruments may help to reduce these damages and prove a cost-saving investment. The authors provide a list of recommended procedural measures that may help to prevent such damages.

Outcomes of a non-randomised audit of single pigtail suture stents in urolithiasis management of Asian patients in Singapore

Objective:Double-J(DJ)ureteric stents are commonly placed perioperatively for semirigid or flexible ureteroscopic renal surgery.It is believed that lesser stent material within the bladder mitigates stent-related symptoms.This study aimed to evaluate the J-Fil ureteral stent,a single pigtail suture stent compared with conventional DJ stent in relation to stent symptoms in an Asian population undergoing ureterorenal intervention.Methods:Based on internal audit committee recommendation approval,the records of 50 patients retrieved,available data of 41 patients who were prospectively enrolled into two groups(Group 1[J-Fil stent group],n=21 and Group 2[DJ stent group],n=20)between August 2020 to January 2021,were analysed.Parameters compared were nature of procedure,stone location and size,ease of deployment or removal,and complications.A modified universal stent symptom questionnaire was used to assess morbidity of stent symptoms within 48 h of insertion and at removal.Results:Both groups had similar median age,distribution in male to female ratio,and stone size.The overall median universal stent symptom questionnaire score at insertion was similar for bladder pain,flank or loin pain,and quality of life between Group 1 and 2;however,at removal Group 1 fared significantly better than Group 2,especially for flank or loin pain and pain at voiding.Both groups had similar ease in insertion with no hospital readmissions.Conclusion:Our audit favoured the single pigtail suture stent in Asian ureters in mitigating stent-related issues.It showed a good safety profile with easy deployment and removal.It promises a new standard in stenting.

Research Progress on Flexible Ureteroscopy

The ureteroscopic surgical technique has developed rapidly in recent years and has become an important method of urological surgery. The manufacturing and production of corresponding ureteroscopes are also constantly improving. This article systematically reviews and analyzes existing literature, summarizes the characteristics of various ureteroscopes in recent years, studies the advantages and disadvantages of ureteroscopes with different characteristics, summarizes relevant clinical experience in the use of ureteroscopes, and provides preliminary prospects for the future development of ureteroscopes. The results indicate that disposable electronic ureteroscopes and robotic ureteroscope systems may be an important development direction in the future.

Prospective observational study on the prognosis of ureteral lesions caused by impacted stones via dual-energy spectral computed tomography

Objective Ureteral lesions caused by impacted ureteral stones are likely to result in postoperative ureteral stricture.On this basis,the study aimed to investigate if dual-energy spectral computed tomography can predict ureteral hardening caused by impacted stones and to explore the relationship between different types of ureteral lesions and the risk of ureteral stricture.Methods This prospective study collected data of 93 patients with impacted stones from hospital automation system during January 2018 to October 2019.They underwent an abdominal scan on a dual-energy spectral computed tomography.During surgery,the operator used ureteroscopy to identify ureteral lesions,which were classified into four categories:edema,polyps,pallor,and hardening.Seven months later,90 patients were reviewed for the degree of hydronephrosis.Results Endoscopic observations revealed 38(41%)cases of ureteral edema,20(22%)cases of polyps,13(14%)cases of pallor,and 22(24%)cases of hardening.There were significant differences in hydronephrosis,the period of impaction,the calcium concentration of the ureter,and the slope of the spectral Hounsfield unit curve between the four groups.After that,we evaluated the factors associated with ureteral hardening and found that the calcium concentration of the ureter and hydronephrosis remained independent predictors of ureteral hardening.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that 5.3 mg/cm^(3)calcium concentration of the ureter is an optimal cut-off value to predict ureteral hardening.The result of follow-up showed that 80 patients had complete remission of hydronephrosis,with a complete remission rate of 61.9%(13/21)in the hardening group and 97.1%(67/69)in the non-hardening group(p<0.001).Conclusion Calcium concentration of the ureter is an independent predictor of ureteral hardening.Patients with ureteral hardening have more severe hydronephrosis after ureteroscopic lithotripsy.When the calcium concentration of the ureter is less than 5.3 mg/cm^(3),ureteral lesions should be actively treated.

1.9 μm Thulium Laser Treats Ureteral Carcinoma via Rigid-ureteroscopy

RADICAL nephroureterectomy is the gold standardtreatment for patients with upper urinary tracturothelial cell carcinomas.1 However, ureteroscopehas enabled urologists to easily approach theupper urinary tract and resect tumor.2 Patients for whomendoscopic tumor resection is recommended includedthose with a solitary kidney, renal insufficiency, bilateraltransitional cell carcinoma （TCC） of the upper urinary tract。

Evaluation of Outcome of Ureteroscopic Pneumatic Lithotripsy in Single Lower Ureteric Calculus and Its Association with CT Parameters

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy in single lower ureteric calculus and correlate its success with different CT parameters like HU, size of calculus and hydrnephrosis, if present. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted from October 2017 to March 2019 in Department of General Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi. 30 patients (out of which 6 were excluded due to spontaneous passage of calculus), with single lower ureteric calculus were chosen and the outcome of URSL was compared with respect to CT parameters of Size, HU and Hydronephrosis and intra-operative clearance of calculus. Results: Success rate of URSL in single lower ureteric calculus was found to be 75%. Lower HU (774.12 ± 212.85) was associated with higher success rate. Similarly smaller size of calculus (9 ± 2.1) mm was associated with success group. Patients with gross hydronephrosis had a poor outcome of URSL. Lower urinary tract infection (8.33%) was the most common complication. Conclusion: Patients with small size calculus, low HU and absence of hydronephrosis have a better outcome of URSL.

Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser for Mini-Percutaneous Treatment of Upper Urinary Tract Stones

To observe the efficacy and safety of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy with Neodymium：Yttrium Aluminum Garnet （Nd-YAG） laser in the treatment for upper urinary tract stones, from December 2005 to September 2006, 31 patients with renal stones, 15 patients with ureteral stones and 7 patients with renal and ureteral stones underwent mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy with Nd-YAG laser by combination of rigid ureteroscope and flexible ureteroscope under B-ultrasound guidance. Clinical data including operation time, lithotripsy time, complications and stone-free rate were analyzed retrospectively. Our study showed that the percutaneous renal access （F14-F18） was successfully established under B-ultrasound guidance in all cases. Immediate phase Ⅰ lithotripsy was performed in 47 cases through single tract, and in one case through two tracts. Delayed phase Ⅱ lithotripsy was done in 5 cases of renal stones. Operation time ranged from 55 to 180 rain with an average time of 100±15 min. Lithotripsy time was from 25 to 135 min and the average lithotripsy time was 65±11 min. No severe complications occurred in our series. Complex renal stones were cleared in 34 of 38 cases （89.5 %）. All ureteral stones were completely removed in 15 cases （100 %）. It was concluded that mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy with Nd：YAG laser for the treatment of upper urinary tract stones by combination of rigid ureteroscope and flexible ureteroscope has the advantages of effectiveness, mini-invasion, shorter operative time and safety.

Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) versus Pneumatic Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy (URSL) for Lower Ureteral Stones Therapy in Asia: A Meta-Analysis

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy for lower ureteral stones therapy, we sought to identify and summarize randomized controlled trials that were used to treat distal ureteral stone. Methods: Eligible studies were identified from electronic databases. Database search, quality assessment, and data extraction were performed by two reviewers independently. Our primary outcome was the stone-free rate. Secondary outcomes were the fragmentation rate, complications and the rate of re-treatment and secondary procedures. The results were assessed by Review Manager 5.0. Publication bias was evaluated by Stata 11.0. Results: 13 trials were included. Meta-analysis of pooled data showed that pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy demonstrated a significant advantage over extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (OR = 0.14, 95% CI [0.09, 0.23], P < 0.00001) in the stone-free rate;the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy had statistical disadvantages over pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy in the fragmentation rate of ureteral stones (OR = 0.14, 95% CI [0.05, 0.39], P = 0.0002);and the rate of re-treatment and secondary procedure was lower in pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy than in extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (OR = 5.37, 95% CI [2.61, 11.07], P < 0.00001). Our pooled results showed that there was no statistical difference between extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy in hematuresis, ureteral stricture and urosepsis or fever. Finally extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy had a higher incidence of colic pain than pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis suggested that pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy had large advantages over extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the treatment of lower ureteral stones.

Ureteroscopic holmium laser to transect the greater omentum to remove an abdominal drain:Four case reports

BACKGROUND Drainage tube removal is difficult when the greater omentum becomes incarcerated in the drainage tube through the side holes.Currently,known removal methods are either ineffective or will cause additional damage to the patient in a secondary operation.Ureteroscopy and the holmium laser have been used in various surgical techniques in urology,and in theory,they are expected to be a good strategy for solving the problem of tissue incarceration.CASE SUMMARY Four patients diagnosed with difficult removal of an abdominal drainage tube following abdominal surgery are reported.All patients underwent surgery to remove the incarcerated greater omentum in the drainage tube using a holmium laser and a ureteroscope,and a new 16-F drain was then placed in the abdominal or pelvic cavity.The efficacy of this technique was evaluated by intraoperative conditions,success rate,and operating time;safety was evaluated by perioperative conditions and the probability of postoperative complications.All four operations went smoothly,and the drains were successfully removed in all patients.The average operating time was 24.5 min.Intraoperatively,the average irrigation volume was 892.0 mL,the average drainage volume was 638.5 mL,and no bleeding or damage to surrounding tissues was observed.Postoperatively,the average drainage volume was 32.8 mL and the new drains were removed within 36 h.All patients were able to get out of bed and move around within 12 h.Their visual analogue pain scores were all below 3.The average follow-up duration was 12.5 mo and no complications such as fever or bleeding were noted.CONCLUSION Ureteroscopic holmium laser surgery is an effective,safe and minimally invasive technique for removing drains where the greater omentum is incarcerated in the abdominal drain.

Endoscopic treatment of urothelial encrusted pyelo-ureteritis disease:A case series

BACKGROUND Urothelial encrusted pyelo-ureteritis disease is an infrequent condition and there is no unified surgical treatment and reference standard to consult.We have used a minimally invasive endoscopic method to treat three such cases,which yielded excellent results.CASE SUMMARY The first case was a 45-year-old man who had unilateral ureteropelvic junction(UPJ)atresia and contralateral stenosis and was treated by double endoscopic surgery using an anterograde percutaneous nephroscope coupled with a rigid retrograde ureteroscope.The second case was a 12-year-old boy who received a percutaneous nephroscopy on one side and a percutaneous nephroscopy with a rigid ureteroscope on the other side due to the presence of bilateral UPJ stenosis.The third case was a 32-year-old woman with bilateral lower ureteral stricture treated using a rigid retrograde ureteroscope.Endoscopic surgeries were successfully performed on all the three patients.Varying degrees of encrustation and erosion of the urothelium were observed during the operation.The calcified layer composition analysis showed magnesium ammonium phosphate or carbonate apatite.Two patients achieved a good prognosis.CONCLUSION Minimally invasive endoscopic treatment for urothelial encrusted pyelo-ureteritis disease can yield better results.

Effect of flexible ureteroscope lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy on the levels of serum inflammatory factors, oxidative stress and stress hormone in patients with renal calculi

Objective: To investigate the effect of flexible ureteroscope lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy on levels of serum inflammatory factors, oxidative stress and stress hormone in patients with renal calculi. Methods: A total of 97 cases of renal calculi patients were chosen as the research objects, based on the random data table, they were divided into the control group (n=49) and the observation group (n=48), patients in the control group underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) treatment, while the observation group patients were treated with flexible ureteroscope lithotripsy (FURL), before and after 1 d ,the levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-10 (IL-10), C reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC)], stress hormone [cortisol (COR), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), norepinephrine (NE)] and oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) ] of the two groups were compared. Results: There were no significant differences in IL-10, CRP, WBC, COR, ACTH, NE, MDA and SOD levels between the two groups preoperative;Compared with the preoperative level in the group, the 1 d post-operation levels of IL-10, CRP, WBC, COR, ACTH, NE and MDA in the two groups were significantly increased, and the level of the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group;The levels of SOD in the two groups 1 d post-operation were significantly lower than those in the same group preoperative, and the control group (85.65±9.95) U/mL was significantly lower than that of the control group (94.71±7.63) U/mL. Conclusion: Compared with percutaneous nephrolithotomy, flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy for renal calculi is less stressful and more favorable for postoperative recovery, has an important clinical value.

Ureteroscopic lithotripsy using holmium laser for 187 patients with proximal ureteral stones

Background Improving the success rate of ureteroscopic lithotripsy for proximal ureteral stones is the hot issue in this field. Here we reported our experience on the treatment of proximal ureteral stones.Methods From 2005 to 2010, 187 consecutive patients with proximal ureteral stones who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy were enrolled. The initial 52 patients treated by semi-rigid ureteroscope alone were classified as group 1. The subsequent 135 patients treated by semi-rigid ureteroscope with the aid of stone basket and flexible ureteroscope were classified as group 2.Results In group 1, the overall stone-free rate was 67.3%. By a single procedure of ureteroscopic lithotripsy using a semi-rigid instrument, patients with ureteral stones below the 4th lumbar vertebra level achieved 91.7% stone-free rate, which was only 50% in patients with stones above the 4th lumbar vertebra level. Conversion to open surgery occurred in two patients since ureteral perforation was observed. In group 2, the stone-free rate achieved 93.2% with the aid of an N-Trap basket, which was significantly higher than that of patients without the aid of the basket （51.6%）. Flexible ureteroscope was subsequently used in patients with fragment migration, thus making the overall success rate in group 2 increases to 97.0%.Conclusions Ureteroscopic lithotripsy is a safe and efficacious treatment for proximal ureteral stones. A single procedure of ureteroscopic lithotripsy using semi-rigid ureteroscope could achieve a satisfactory stone-free rate in patients with proximal ureteral stones below the 4th lumbar vertebra level. However, patients with ureteral stones above the 4th lumbar vertebra level experienced higher stone-migration rate, which would decrease the success rate. Fortunately, the stone-free state could possibly be achieved with the aid of an N-trap basket and flexible ureteroscope.

Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of seminal vesicle stones

Background Seminal vesicle stones are one of the main causes of persistent hemospermia. Treatment requires removal of the stone, generally through open vesiculectomy. The purpose of this study was to apply a transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of the seminal vesicle stones with an ureteroscope. We assessed whether this transurethral endoscopic technique is feasible and effective in the diagnosis and treatment of the seminal vesicle stones with intractable hemospermia. Methods Totally 12 patients with intractable hemospermia underwent transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy through the distal seminal tracts using a 7.3-French rigid ureteroscope. Age of patients ranged from 25 to 57 years （mean age （43.7±10.5） years）. The patients＇ symptoms ranged in duration from 4 to 180 months （mean duration （47.8±45.3） months）. All patients underwent transrectal ultrasonography, pelvic computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging before the operation. Positive imaging findings were observed in patients with seminal vesicle stones and dilated seminal vesicle size. A 7.3-French rigid ureteroscope entered the lumen of the verumontanum, and then the seminal vesicle under direct vision. Seminal vesicle stones were found unilaterally in 11 cases and bilaterally in one case. Results All 12 patients successfully underwent transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy. The seminal vesicle interior with single or multiple yellowish stones ranging from 1 to 5 mm in diameter was clearly visible. All the stones were easily fragmented and endoscopically removed using a grasper. The operative time was 30 to 120 minutes （mean （49±22） minutes）. The mean follow-up period was （6.9±3.0） months （range 3-13 months）. Symptoms of hemospermia disappeared after one month in 10 patients and after three months in two patients. Three patients with painful ejaculation could completely be relieved postoperation. There was also improvement in one patient with erectile dysfunction. There were no postoperative complications. Conclusions Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy is safe and effective in the diagnosis and treatment of seminal vesicle stones. This endoscopic technique can be performed with minimal complications.

Retrospective Analysis of Ultrasound-guided Flexible Ureteroscopy in the Management of Calyceal Diverticular Calculi

Background： Percutaneous nephrolithotomy （PCNL） is the most widely recommended treatment lbr calyceal diverticular calculi, providing excellent stone-free results. However, its invasiveness is not negligible considering its major complication rates. Flexible ureteroscopy （FURS） is currently used to treat calyceal diverticula. However, the greatest drawback of FURS is locating the diverticulum since its neck is narrow and concealed. In such a case, the FURS procedure must be converted to PCNL. The aim of this study was to evaluate ultrasound-guided flexible ureteroscopy （UFURS） identifying diverticulum and the managenlent of calyceal diverticular calculi. Methods： A retrospective analysis was conducted on 24 patients who had calyceal diverticnlar calculi. In all 12 patients in tile UFURS group, direct FURS failed to find evidence of calyceal diverticula but were confirmed with imaging. The other 12 patients in the PCNL group received PCNL plus fulguration of the divenicular walls. Results： Puncture ofcalyceal diverticulum was successful in all 12 UFURS patients. Two patients in this group had postoperative residual calculi and two patients developed lever. In the PCNL group, percutaneous renal access and lithotomy were successful in all 12 patients. One patient in this group had residual calculi, one had perirenal hematoma, and two patients developed fever. No significant difference was found in the operating time （UFURS vs. PCNL, 91.8 ± 24.2 vs. 86.3 ± 18.7 min）, stone-free rate （UFURS vs. PCNL, 9/12 vs. 10/12）, and rate of successful lithotripsy （UFURS vs. PCNL, 10/12 vs. 11/12） between the two groups （all P 〉 0.05）. Postoperative pain scores in the FURS group were significantly lower than that in the PCNL group （2.7 ±1.2 vs. 6.2 ±1.5. P 〈 0.05）. Hospital stay in the UFURS group was significantly shorter than that in the PCNL group （3.4 ± 0.8 vs. 5.4 ± 1.0 days, P 〈 0.05）. All patients were symptom-free following surgery （UFURS vs. PCNL, 10/10 vs. 12/12）. Conclusion： Ultrasound-guided puncture facilitates identification of calyceal diverticula during FURS and improves the success rate of FURS surgery.

Value of urine IL-8, NGAL and KIM-1 for the early diagnosis of acute kidney injury in patients with ureteroscopic lithotripsy related urosepsis

Purpose::To investigate the clinical value of urine interleukin-18(IL-8),neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL)and kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1)for the early diagnosis of acute kidney injury(AKI)in patients with ureteroscopic lithotripsy(URL)related urosepsis.Methods::A retrospective study was carried out in 157 patients with urosepsis after URL.The patients were divided into AKI group and non-AKI group according to the Kidigo guideline and urine IL-8,NGAL and KIM-1 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 0,4,12,24 and 48 h after the surgery.Receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of these three biomarkers for postoperative AKI.Results::The level of urine IL-8,NGAL and KIM-1 in AKI group was significantly higher than that in non-AKI group at 4,12,24 and 48 h(p<0.01).The ROC analysis showed the combined detection of urine IL-8,NGAL and KIM-1 at 12 h had a larger area under curve(AUC)than a single marker(0.997,95%CI:0.991-0.998),and the sensitivity and specificity were 98.2%and 96.7%,respectively.Pearson correlation analysis showed that the levels of urine NGAL at 4,12,24 and 48 h in AKI patients were positively correlated with the levels of urine KIM-1 and IL-18(p<0.01).Conclusion::AKI could be quickly recognized by the elevated level of urine IL-8,NGAL and KIM-1 in patients with URL-related urosepsis.Combined detection of the three urine biomarkers at 12 h after surgery had a better diagnostic performance,which may be an important reference for the early diagnosis of AKI.

Acupoint Massage in Relieving Pain afte Ureteroscopic Holmium Laser Lithotripsy

Objective: To observe the effect of acupoint massage in relieving pain after ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy. Methods: Ninety-two patients undergone ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy were enrolled and randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 46 in each group. Patients in the control group were given regular nursing care, while patients in the treatment group were intervened by acupoint massage in addition to the regular nursing care. The pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS) at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after operation, and compared between the two groups. Results: There was no significant difference in comparing the VAS score at 6 h after operation between the two groups(P>0.05). The VAS scores in the treatment group at 12 h and 24 h after operation were significantly lower than those in the control group(both P<0.05). Fewer patients in the treatment group used analgesics compared with those in the control group.Conclusion: Acupoint massage can effectively relieve the pain after ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy, reduce the use of analgesics, and promote the recovery.