Current trends and pitfalls in endoscopic treatment of urolithiasis

Abstract

Current development of endoscopic technology, lithotripters, and stone-retrieval devices has expanded the indications for retrograde and antegrade endoscopic therapy in the management of urolithiasis. This technology has also resulted in minimally invasive therapy. As surgeons' experience of endourological procedures with the newer instruments has become integrated, the surgical technique and indications for urolithiasis have also changed in the past few years. The present review provides an overview of endourological procedures for upper urinary tract stones and the key points related to surgical techniques.

Keywords: current endourological topic; flexible ureteroscopy; mini-endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery; retrograde intrarenal surgery; technological advancement.