Laparoscopic urinary stone surgery: an updated evidence-based review

Abstract

The treatment of urinary lithiasis has been revolutionized during the last three decades. Minimally invasive therapies in the form of endoscopic surgery in companion with the advent of shock wave lithotripsy have diminished the role of open stone surgery. Laparoscopy, another minimally invasive treatment, is continuously gaining place in the treatment of urinary stones, mainly replacing open surgery. We have tried to identify the level of the evidence and grade of recommendation, according to the evidence-based medicine criteria, in studies supporting the laparoscopic approach to stone extraction. The highest level of evidence (IIa) was found for laparoscopic ureterolithotomy. It is technically feasible with the advantage of being minimally invasive and having lower postoperative morbidity compared to open ureterolithotomy. It is mostly recommended (grade B) for large impacted stones or when endoscopic ureterolithotripsy or shock wave stone disintegration have failed. Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy is feasible but rarely indicated in the present era (III/B). Laparoscopic nephrolithotomy may be indicated to remove a stone from an anterior diverticulum or when PNL or flexible ureteroscopy have failed (III/B).