WhatsApp-assisted telemedicine for ureteral stone management: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND

Telemedicine has gained increasing importance in urology, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling remote patient monitoring and reducing hospital visits. To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a WhatsApp-based telemedicine follow-up model in patients with ureteral stones managed conservatively.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2020. Ninety-nine patients with a single ureteral stone < 10 mm were included. All patients received medical expulsive therapy and were followed for 30 days using a structured WhatsApp-based monitoring system. Pain scores, analgesic use, stone passage, complications, and patient satisfaction were recorded.

RESULTS

The median age was 55 years, and the mean stone size was 6.1 ± 1.5 mm. Spontaneous stone passage occurred in 34.3% of patients, while 26.2% required JJ stent placement. Larger stone size (p < 0.001) and proximal location (p = 0.002) were associated with intervention. Pain scores and analgesic requirements decreased significantly over time (p < 0.01). No major complications were observed. WhatsApp-based monitoring enabled timely clinical decision-making and reduced unnecessary hospital visits.

CONCLUSIONS

WhatsApp-assisted telemedicine is a feasible, safe, and cost-effective approach for managing ureteral stones. Larger prospective studies are required to validate these findings.