Management of urolithiasis

Abstract

Urolithiasis is a common urological condition. Its incidence is increasing. It is one of the commonest urological emergencies, and has important, occasionally life-threatening, differential diagnoses. Treatment of an infected obstructed kidney is a urological emergency, and supportive treatment and swift drainage are paramount. Decision making for the treatment of stones depends upon stone size, site, patient and kidney factors, with active surveillance, ESWL, ureteroscopy and laser stone fragmentation and PCNL all possible options. Metabolic investigation of high-risk stone formers and advice regarding the prevention of stone formation are important.