The Role of Preoperative Ureteral Diameter Measurements in Predicting Difficult Access During Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis of 234 Patients

This study investigates the role of preoperative ureteral diameter measurements in predicting difficult access during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in patients with kidney stones. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 234 patients who underwent RIRS, evaluating factors such as preoperative ureteral diameters (measured at distal, iliac, and upper ureteral levels via CT scans), stone size, patient demographics, operation duration, and surgical success rates. The findings aim to determine whether ureteral diameter measurements can serve as reliable predictors for surgical challenges, ultimately improving preoperative planning and patient outcomes.