Endoscopic surgery for renal calculi.
OBJECTIVE
Endoscopic surgery plays an important role in the treatment of renal calculi, especially for the more complex cases. Recent advancements have improved the efficacy of procedures, and increasing surgeon experience is associated with low complication rates. This article will review recent literature pertinent to endoscopic surgery for renal calculi.


RESULTS
Endoscopic renal calculus removal is associated with up to >90% calculus clearance rates. This is true for both retrograde and percutaneous approaches. The added utility of flexible instrumentation and holmium laser therapy have contributed greatly to improving surgical success. With increased experience in endoscopic techniques, major complications occur in approximately 1% of patients. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient (retrograde) basis or a <23 h inpatient (percutaneous) basis.


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopic surgery is safe, and the most efficacious therapy with low morbidity for renal calculi.
Fuchs
Gerhard J
GJ
Endourology Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA. gerhard.fuchs@cshs.org
Yurkanin
J Paul
JP
D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000601:surgery*