Minireviews
Copyright ©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Nephrol. Nov 6, 2014; 3(4): 243-248
Published online Nov 6, 2014. doi: 10.5527/wjn.v3.i4.243
Ureteroscopy and stones: Current status and future expectations
Anna E Wright, Nicholas J Rukin, Bhaskar K Somani
Anna E Wright, Nicholas J Rukin, Department of Urology, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton WV10 0QP, United Kingdom
Bhaskar K Somani, Department of Urology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Wright AE, Rukin NJ and Somani BK solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Bhaskar K Somani, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Consultant Urological Surgeon (Stone Lead), Department of Urology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Tremona Rd, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom. bhaskarsomani@yahoo.com
Telephone: +44-23-80795273 Fax: +44-23-80795272
Received: June 16, 2014
Revised: August 5, 2014
Accepted: August 27, 2014
Published online: November 6, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: This manuscript demonstrates the advent, technical progression and modern use of ureteroscopy for stone disease. It begins with a brief epidemiology of renal stone disease, technological advances in flexible ureteroscope, use of laser for stone disease and the different types of surgical options available. We also share the current evidence of ureteroscopy for stone treatment in obesity, pregnancy, pediatrics and patients with bleeding diathesis and large renal stones. In the end we discuss what the future holds for ureteroscopy including an insight into robotic ureteroscopy.