Urolithiasis treatment approach

Abstract:

Urolithiasis is one of the most common diseases of the urinary tract. Patients mostly present with renal colic, but acute appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, ectopic pregnancy and dissecting aortic aneurysm must also be taken into account in differential diagnosis. Today, extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the method of choice in the treatment of urolithiasis, because it is safe and effective. Furthermore, endoscopic procedures such as ureteroscopic (URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), along with the aforementioned ESWL, have almost completely replaced open surgical procedures for urolithiasis, radically changing the therapeutic approach and functional outcome of the disease. 

Key words:
lithotripsy; nephrolithiasis, treatment; renal colic; ureteroscopy; urolithiasis