Current status of ureteroscopic treatment for urolithiasis.
Intracorporeal treatment of urolithiasis is characterized by continuous technological evolution. In this review we present updated data upon the use of ureteroscopy for the management of urolithiasis. Novel digital flexible ureteroscopes are used in clinical practice. Ureteroscopic working tools are revolutionized resulting in safer and more efficient procedures. Special categories of stone patients such as pregnant women, children and patients on anticoagulation medication can now undergo uneventful ureteroscopy. Routine insertion of stents and access sheaths as well as bilateral ureteroscopy is still a controversial issue. Future perspectives include smaller and better instruments to visualize and treat a stone, while robotic ureteroscopy is becoming a fascinating reality.
Skolarikos
Andreas A
AA
Athens Medical School, 2nd Department of Urology, Sismanoglio Hospital, Athens, Greece. andskol@yahoo.com
Papatsoris
Athanasios G
AG
Mitsogiannis
Iraklis C
IC
Chatzidarellis
Lefteris
L
Liakouras
Christos
C
Deliveliotis
Charalambos
C
D004867:Equipment Design / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020709:Ureteroscopes / Q000639:trends; D018666:Ureteroscopy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D052878:Urolithiasis / Q000628:therapy*