Impact of flexible ureterorenoscopy in current management of nephrolithiasis

Flexible ureterorenoscopy continues to assume an increasing role in the armamentarium of the endourologist. Here, we summarize some of the important papers over the past 12-18 months that continue to define its place in the treatment of upper tract calculi.

We concentrate on the indications for flexible ureterorenoscopy for upper tract calculi, and discuss the techniques and strategies that can be employed in different situations, including its use in combination with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The developing technology behind flexible ureterorenoscopy is also discussed.

Flexible ureterorenoscopy is emerging as one of the mainstays of treatment of upper tract calculi, rather than as a technique for the exclusive use of the enthusiast. Technical advances in image quality and in making the scopes more durable are likely to lead to an increasing use of this technique in more urology departments in the future.