Medical and Interventional Management of Upper Urinary Tract Uroliths

Nephroliths are often clinically silent. When non-obstructive and of an amenable stone type, dissolution should be attempted. When problematic, nephrolithotomy can be considered. Depending on stone type, size, and species, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy or endoscopic nephrolithotomy are preferred techniques. Obstructive ureterolithiasis should be addressed immediately to preserve kidney function. Because of decreased morbidity and mortality and versatility for all causes, interventional techniques for kidney decompression are preferred by the authors. Proper training and expertise in these interventional techniques should be acquired before performing them on clinical patients for the best possible outcomes.