Ureteroscopic Stone Treatment

Abstract

Renal and ureteral stone treatment has evolved from an open operation to being entirely endoscopic. Since the inception of the natural orifice treatment of stones, there have been many more advancements in multiple aspects of the case, including smaller scopes, higher-resolution imaging, and more powerful lasers. This technological evolution in ureteroscopic stone treatment has broadened its indication as a first-line therapy by helping to attenuate the learning curve and expedite stone fragmentation and extraction. This overview includes the evolution of ureteroscopic stone treatment; however, the majority is dedicated to reviewing equipment and operative techniques pertaining to ureteroscopic stone treatment of upper tract stones. This review contains 10 highly rendered figures, 5 tables, and 43 references Key words: holmium laser, kidney, lithotripsy, nephrolithiasis, ureter, ureteral stent, ureteroscopy