Surgical management of urolithiasis.

Journal Article (Journal Article;Review)

The surgical management of urinary calculus disease has changed dramatically in the past two decades. Minimally invasive options have made open stone surgery nearly obsolete. The development of shock wave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrostolithotomy techniques and intracorporeal lithotripsy devices has conferred unprecedented management tools for upper tract stones. Moreover, transfusion rates, hospital costs, and convalescence periods have been markedly reduced when compared to open surgery. Likewise, the advent of fiberoptic technology has resulted in miniaturization of ureteroscopes making access to the entire collecting system possible from either a retrograde or antegrade approach. With experience, successful stone retrieval has occurred in upwards of 90% of cases, again with minimal complications. The subspecialty of Endourology has emerged over the past 20 years and significantly changed the management of urinary tract calculi within this short period of time. Further advancements in shock wave and laser technology, training modules and the development of more durable endoscopes may prove beneficial in providing even better stone treatments with a reduction in morbidity.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Auge, BK; Preminger, GM

Published Date

  • December 2002

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 31 / 4

Start / End Page

  • 1065 - 1082

PubMed ID

  • 12474646

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0889-8529

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/s0889-8529(02)00033-6

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States