Nwaha Makon AS1,2, Ngando Njoh LA3, Owon’Abessolo3, Tazemda Kuitsouc GB4, Ngandeu JM2, Biyouma MDC2, Etobe CMT2, Bekou Guetchuissi J1, Moby Mpah EH3, Ngowe Ngowe M2,3.
1-Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences Biomédicales, Université de Yaoundé 1.
2-Hôpital Laquintinie de Douala (Cameroun).
3-Faculté de Médecine et des sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université de Douala.
4-Institut de Management et d’Ingénierie de la Santé, Université de Lille.
Correspondance: Dr Axel Stéphane NWAHA MAKON.
Boîte Postale 4035, Douala , Cameroun Tél. +237 699236640.
E-mail: [email protected]
SUMMARY
Introduction: urinary lithiasis is a common and multifactorial condition whose management has been revolutionized by the rise of endourology. Endoscopic techniques (including percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), flexible ureteroscopy, semi-rigid ureteroscopy, and cystoscopy) are now widely applied in the treatment of urinary stones. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of endoscopic management of urinary lithiasis at Laquintinie Hospital of Douala.
Patients and Methods: we conducted a longitudinal descriptive study with prospective data collection, including all patients managed endoscopically for urinary stones between January 2023 and May 2025. Sociodemographic, clinical, radiological, operative, and postoperative parameters were recorded using a standardized questionnaire. Data analysis was performed with Python 3.11, applying descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses using the chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests.
Results: a total of 102 patients were enrolled. The age group 40–50 years was affected in 39.2% of cases, with 54.9% of female. Renal colic was the clinical presentation in 78.4% of cases. Stones were located in the ureter in 36.3% of cases, and renal pelvis in 30.4%. Semi-rigid ureteroscopy was the performed technique in 42.2% of cases, followed by PCNL (27.5%), flexible ureteroscopy (21.6%), and cystoscopy (8.8%). PCNL was used for larger stones (median size 26 mm), while ureteroscopy was preferred for smaller or intermediate stones. Median fragmentation time was longest with PCNL (29 min) and shortest with flexible ureteroscopy (20 min). Median hospital stay was 3 days for PCNL and 1 day for both ureteroscopy and cystoscopy. Postoperative complications occurred in 50% of patients, such as infections (27.5%) and residual stones (19.6%). Hemorrhage was reported only after PCNL.
Conclusion: endoscopic management of urinary lithiasis is both feasible and effective in our context, with each technique offering specific indications. PCNL remains essential for the treatment of large stones, while ureteroscopy allows shorter operative times and hospital stays. Although complication rates were acceptable, our findings highlight the need to strengthen infection control strategies, optimize stone clearance, and expand access to advanced lithotripsy equipment.
Key words: urinary tract, lithiasis, endoscopy, ureteroscopy, nephrolithotomy, cystoscopy, stone
fragmentation, complication.