Innovations in Kidney Stone Removal

Res Rep Urol. 2023 Apr 11:15:131-139. doi: 10.2147/RRU.S386844. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Urolithiasis is a common clinical condition, and surgical treatment is performed with different minimally invasive procedures, such as ureteroscopy, shockwave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Although the transition from open surgery to endourological procedures to treat this condition has been a paradigm shift, ongoing technological advancements have permitted further improvement of clinical outcomes with the development of modern equipment. Such innovations in kidney stone removal are new lasers, modern ureteroscopes, development of applications and training systems utilizing three-dimensional models, artificial intelligence and virtual reality, implementation of robotic systems, sheaths connected to vacuum devices and new types of lithotripters. Innovations in kidney stone removal have led to an exciting new era of endourological options for patients and clinicians alike.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; kidney calculi; laser; percutaneous nephrolithotomy; ureteroscopy.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

There is no funding to report.