Ureteroscopy for stone disease: expanding roles in the modern era

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of urolithiasis is increasing worldwide and is causing significant morbidity and cost to the healthcare systems. While ureteroscopy (URS) has been established as a treatment option, our review highlights the expanding role of URS for the management of more complex stones and patients in the modern era. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ureteroscopy has shown to have good outcomes with stone free rates (SFR) comparable to other treatment modalities. Relevant publications have been identified. Their findings were critically appraised and used to formulate clinically oriented conclusions. RESULTS: The use of URS has increased and now includes URS management for large stones, bilateral stone disease, obesity, pregnancy, pediatrics, solitary kidney, horseshoe kidney and patients with a bleeding diathesis. CONCLUSIONS: With advances in URS technique and technology, its role has expanded to offer treatment in difficult clinical scenarios with good outcomes.