The surgical management of urolithiasis has undergone a remarkable clinical evolution over the past three decades.
The once common practice of open stone surgery has nearly been relegated to historical interest by modern technology. The introduction of minimally invasive techniques, laparoscopy and robot-assisted surgery, have emerged to complete the urologist's armamentarium. The benefits to patients when other endourologic procedures have failed include less pain, shorter hospitalization and convalescence, and improved cosmesis. This chapter explores the historical shift from open to minimally invasive management for stone disease and the unique risks and outcomes associated with these procedures in modern urology.
Written by:
Humphreys MR. Are you the author?
Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, 5777 East Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA.
Reference: Urol Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;40(1):115-28.
doi: 10.1016/j.ucl.2012.09.005
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23177639
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