DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjs.2026.v12i01.005

Pages: 26-29

Background: Ureteric obstruction by stones is a frequently encountered urologic emergency that requires appropriate rapid operative relief to prevent subsequent infection and/or renal parenchymal damage. Classically, this is usually done by double J catheter or nephrostomy tube insertion, and later on delayed ureteroscopy for definitive stone management. Modern urologic instruments and advances enabled for immediate early ureteroscopy to address such stones after their presentation, which offer less cost and morbidity and omits the need for a second definitive procedure in most cases. Still, the exact timing of definitive ureteroscopy for acutely obstructing ureteric stones is debatable among urologists. Proponents of early ureteroscopy support the advantage of reduced hospitalization and cost, since the stone is mostly managed in one early operation after presentation, while those supporting delayed definitive ureteroscopy after initial drainage, do so as it offers less intraoperative risks. Thus, our study aimed to compare the outcomes of early versus delayed ureteroscopy to better address which is of choice in managing acute ureteric stone obstruction. Objective: Perioperative outcomes and complications will be compared between early and delayed ureteroscopic management of acute ureteral obstruction. Methods: This is a retrospective study done at Prince Hussein Urology Center / Royal Medical Services, Amman – Jordan, in the period of January 2022 to September 2025. Data were collected using the HAKEEM electronic medical recording system. Patients were divided into two groups, early group (≤72 hours) and delayed (4–6 weeks) ureteroscopy. Perioperative data included demographic variables, stone features, operative time, hospital stay, stone free rate (SFR) and post operative complications. Statistical analysis used SPSS version 26, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 180 patients were included, equally divided between the two groups. Baseline dem