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Current status of ureteroscopic treatment for urolithiasis
Author(s) -
Skolarikos Andreas A,
Papatsoris Athanasios G,
Mitsogiannis Iraklis C,
Chatzidarellis Lefteris,
Liakouras Christos,
Deliveliotis Charalambos
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
international journal of urology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.172
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1442-2042
pISSN - 0919-8172
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-2042.2009.02364.x
Subject(s) - ureteroscopy , medicine , safer , general surgery , surgery , urology , ureter , computer security , computer science
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.