Ureteroscopy for stone disease: expanding roles in the modern era

Abstract

IntroductionThe prevalence of urolithiasis is increasing worldwide and is causing significant morbidity and cost to the healthcare systems. While ureteroscopy (URS) has been established as a treatment option, our review highlights the expanding role of URS for the management of more complex stones and patients in the modern era.Material and methodsUreteroscopy has shown to have good outcomes with stone free rates (SFR) comparable to other treatment modalities. Relevant publications have been identified. Their findings were critically appraised and used to formulate clinically oriented conclusions.ResultsThe use of URS has increased and now includes URS management for large stones, bilateral stone disease, obesity, pregnancy, pediatrics, solitary kidney, horseshoe kidney and patients with a bleeding diathesis.ConclusionsWith advances in URS technique and technology, its role has expanded to offer treatment in difficult clinical scenarios with good outcomes.