Role of Endourological Procedures (PCNL and URS) on Renal Function: a Systematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To present the latest evidence related to the impact of ureteroscopy (URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) on the renal function. RECENT FINDINGS: Our review suggests that the overall renal function is not detrimentally affected by endourological interventions (URS, PCNL). This is however influenced by the preoperative renal function, presence of comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. For PCNL procedures, tract multiplicity, preoperative UTI, and postoperative bleeding also contribute to a decline in renal function. SUMMARY: This review suggests that endourological interventions do not adversely affect renal function and tend to improve it in patients who do not have a poor renal function prior to the procedure. Several factors including poor preoperative renal function, diabetes, hypertension, and multiple percutaneous tracts appear to predispose patients to declining renal function after procedure, and these patients should be counseled for and followed up appropriately.