title: Integration and utilization of modern technologies in nephrolithiasis research.
abstract: Nephrolithiasis, or stones, is one of the oldest urological diseases, with descriptions and treatment strategies dating back to ancient times. Despite the enormous number of patients affected by stones, a surprising lack of conceptual understanding of many aspects of this disease still exists. This lack of understanding includes mechanisms of stone formation and retention, the clinical relevance of different stone compositions and that of formation patterns and associated pathological features to the overall course of the condition. Fortunately, a number of new tools are available to assist in answering such questions. New renal endoscopes enable kidney visualization in much higher definition than was previously possible, while micro-CT imaging is the optimal technique for assessment of stone microstructure and mineral composition in a nondestructive fashion. Together, these tools have the potential to provide novel insights into the aetiology of stone formation that might unlock new prevention and treatment strategies, and enable more effective management of patients with nephrolithiasis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Indiana University Health at Methodist Hospital, 1801 Senate Boulevard #220, Indianapolis, Indianapolis 46202, USA.
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Borofsky
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Indiana University Health at Methodist Hospital, 1801 Senate Boulevard #220, Indianapolis, Indianapolis 46202, USA.
authors.forename: Casey A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Dauw
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of Chicago Hospital, 5841 S Maryland Avenue, Mc 6038, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, VanNuys Medical Science Building, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA.
authors.forename: James C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, VanNuys Medical Science Building, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Evan
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Indiana University Health at Methodist Hospital, 1801 Senate Boulevard #220, Indianapolis, Indianapolis 46202, USA.
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Lingeman
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D053040:Nephrolithiasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*