Publication at First Faculty of Medicine |
2016
Abstract
Endourology is a modern surgical approach used in both diagnostics and therapy with advantage of minimal invasiveness. It utilizes newest technologies in optical engineering and metal and plastics manufacturing.
Endoscopic procedures used for stone treatment can be divided into two groups. Endoluminal procedures using natural orifices to approach the lithiasis including semirigid and flexibile ureteroscopy and percutaneous procedures like percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
It is also very important to mention extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) which plays an important role in stone management. Although a shift towards endoscopic procedures and stricter limits for the ESWL indications are noticeable recently.