Stones of the upper urinary tract. Update on minimal-invasive endourological treatment

Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2008 Mar;80(1):13-7.

Abstract

So far extracorporal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is the treatment of choice for upper urinary tract stones. Since the introduction of new minimal-invasive endourological procedures, such as retrograde flexible uretero-renoscopy (fURS) and minimal-invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Mini-Perc), alternative treatment modalities are available, which show enhanced stone-free rates and decreased treatment morbidity even in unfavorable stone localizations of the lower calix and calyceal diverticulum stones. In experienced hands modern endourological approaches are suitable as first-line treatment of upper urinary tract stones. Even in elderly patients and large stone burden the endourological techniques show acceptable results.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Kidney Calculi / therapy*
  • Lithotripsy / methods
  • Lithotripsy, Laser / methods
  • Nephrostomy, Percutaneous / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ureteral Calculi / therapy*
  • Ureteroscopy
  • Urinary Calculi / therapy