Tendencias de punción extrapapilar en nefrolitotomía percutánea. Revisión de la literatura / Percutaneous nephrolithotomy non–papiilary puncture trends. A review of the literature

La nefrolitotomía percutánea (NLPC) es el tratamiento de referencia para los cálculos renales de gran tamaño. Aunque tradicionalmente la punción dirigida a la papila renal ha sido la piedra angular de este tratamiento, se han desarrollado tendencias de punción en sitios distintos de la papila renal que han despertado interés en este contexto. El objetivo de este estudio es investigar la evolución del acceso extrapapilar para la NLPC a lo largo de los años. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura y se incluyeron 13 publicaciones en el estudio. Se encontraron 2estudios experimentales que investigaban la viabilidad del acceso extrapapilar, 5estudios prospectivos de cohortes, 2retrospectivos sobre el acceso extrapapilar y 4estudios que comparaban el acceso papilar con el extrapapilar. La técnica de acceso extrapapilar ha demostrado ser una solución segura y eficaz capaz de adaptarse a las últimas tendencias endoscópicas. El uso generalizado de esta técnica es previsible en el futuro. (AU)

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard of treatment for large renal calculi. Papillary puncture is the mainstay of treatment for large renal calculi, but the non-papilary has been introduced and gained some interest. The aim of this study is the investigation of trends of non-papillary access for PCNL over the years. A review of the literature took place and 13 publications were included in the study. Two experimental studies investigating the feasibility of non-papillary access were found. Five cohort prospective and 2retrospective studies for non-papillary access and 4comparative studies between papillary and non-papillary access were included. Non papillary access is a technique that has been proved as a safe and efficient solution that keeps up with the latest endoscopic trends. A wider use of this method could be expected in the future. (AU)

An Update of In Vivo Application of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy: Results from a Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Kidney puncture is a key step in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Ultrasound/fluoroscopic-guided access to the collecting systems is commonly used in PCNL. Performing a puncture is often challenging in kidneys with congenital malformations or complex staghorn stones. We aim to perform a systematic review to examine data on in vivo applications, outcomes, and limitations of using artificial intelligence and robotics for access in PCNL. RECENT FINDINGS: The literature search was performed on November 2, 2022, using Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Twelve studies were included. 3D in PCNL is useful for image reconstruction but also in 3D printing with definite benefits seen in improving anatomical spatial understanding for preoperative and intraoperative planning. 3D model printing and virtual and mixed reality allow for an enhanced training experience and easier access which seems to translate into a shorter learning curve and better stone-free rate compared to standard puncture. Robotic access improves the accuracy of the puncture for ultrasound- and fluoroscopic-guided access in both supine and prone positions. The potential advantage robotics are using artificial intelligence to do remote access, reduced number of needle punctures, and less radiation exposure during renal access. Artificial intelligence, virtual and mixed reality, and robotics may play a key role in improving PCNL surgery by enhancing all aspects of a successful intervention from entry to exit. There is a gradual adoption of this newer technology into clinical practice but is yet limited to centers with access and the ability to afford this.

Trends and patterns of initial percutaneous nephrolithotomy and subsequent procedures among commercially-insured US adults with urinary system stone disease: a 10-year population-based study.

PURPOSE: To describe trends and patterns of initial percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and subsequent procedures from 2010 to 2019 among commercially-insured US adults with urinary system stone disease (USSD). METHODS: Retrospective study of administrative data from the IBM® MarketScan® Database. Eligible patients were aged 18-64 years and underwent PCNL between 1/1/2010 and 12/31/2019. Measures of interest for analysis of trends and patterns included the setting of initial PCNL (inpatient vs. outpatient), percutaneous access (1 vs. 2-step), and the incidence, time course, and type of subsequent procedures (extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy [SWL], ureteroscopy [URS], and/or PCNL) performed up-to 3 years after initial PCNL. RESULTS: A total of 8,348 patients met the study eligibility criteria. During the study period, there was a substantial shift in the setting of initial PCNL, from 59.9% being inpatient in 2010 to 85.3% being outpatient by 2019 (P < 0.001). The proportion of 1 vs. 2-step initial PCNL fluctuated over time, with a low of 15.1% in 2016 and a high of 22.0% in 2019 but showed no consistent yearly trend (P = 0.137). The Kaplan-Meier estimated probability of subsequent procedures following initial PCNL was 20% at 30 days, 28% at 90 days, and 50% at 3 years, with slight fluctuations by initial PCNL year. From 2010 to 2019, the proportion of subsequent procedures accounted for by URS increased substantially (from 30.8 to 51.8%), whereas SWL decreased substantially (from 39.5 to 14.7%) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: From 2010 to 2019, PCNL procedures largely shifted to the outpatient setting. Subsequent procedures after initial PCNL were common, with most occurring within 90 days. URS has become the most commonly-used subsequent procedure type.

Critical causes in severe bleeding requiring angioembolization after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: To identify the risk factors for severe bleeding requiring angioembolization among patients who received transfusions after PCNL, particularly those who underwent anatomically incorrect renal puncture. METHODS: A total of 53 patients, who received transfusions after PCNL and simultaneously had a postoperative CT scan performed between November 2009 and May 2019 at two teaching hospitals, were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent angioembolization and those who did not. Patient, stone and procedural factors were compared between the two groups. Puncture correctness was evaluated using postoperative CT scans. Puncture was defined as being a correct puncture if the fornix or papilla of the posterior calyx was punctured and the trajectory of the tract was within 20 degrees posterior to the frontal plane of the kidney (i.e., within Brödel's line). RESULTS: 21 patients underwent angioembolization after PCNL. Incorrect puncture was seen in 14/21 (66.7%) patients who underwent angioembolization after PCNL, whereas it was seen in 11/32 (34.4%) patients who did not undergo angioembolization (p = 0.021). On multivariable regression analysis, puncture correctness was found to be the only significant factor, with an OR of 3.818, 95% CI of 1.192-12.231 and p value of 0.024. CONCLUSIONS: Incorrect renal puncture was related to severe bleeding requiring angioembolization after PCNL. Our results emphasize the importance of the basic principle of renal puncture for PCNL.

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy: is it still valid in the era of robotic endourology? Can it be more efficient?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of the article is to evaluate the actual role of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the management of urolithiasis based on the new developments of flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). RECENT FINDINGS: In Western Europe, there is a significant change of techniques used for treatment of renal stones with an increase of FURS and a decrease of ESWL. The reasons for this include the change of indications, technical improvement of the endourologic armamentarium, including robotic assistance. Mostly relevant is the introduction of digital reusable and single-use flexible ureterorenoscopes, whereas micro-PCNL has been abandoned. Some companies have stopped production of lithotripters and novel ideas to improve the efficacy of shock waves have not been implemented in the actual systems. Promising shock-wave technologies include the use of burst-shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL) or high-frequent ESWL. The main advantage would be the very fast pulverization of the stone as shown in in-vitro models. SUMMARY: The role of ESWL in the management of urolithiasis is decreasing, whereas FURS is constantly progressing. Quality and safety of intracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy using holmium:YAG-laser under endoscopic control clearly outweighs the advantages of noninvasive ESWL. To regain ground, new technologies like burst-SWL or high-frequent ESWL have to be implemented in new systems.

Evaluation of three stone-scoring systems for predicting SFR and complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Clinical studies assessing the feasibility and accuracy of three stone scoring systems's (SSSs: Guy's stone score, CROES nomogram and S.T.O.N.E nephrolithometry scoring system) have reported contradictory outcomes. This systematic evaluation was performed to obtain comprehensive evidence with regard to the feasibility and accuracy of three SSSs. METHODS: A systematic search of Embase, Pubmed, Medline, and the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify studies that compared three SSSs up to Mar 2018. Patients were categorized according to stone free (SF) and no-stone free (NSF), Outcomes of interest included perioperative variables, stone-free rate (SFR), and complications. RESULTS: Ten studies estimating three SSSs were included for meta-analysis. The results showed that SF patients had a significantly lower proportion of male (OR = 1.48, P = 0.0007), lower stone burden (WMD = -504.28, P < 0.0001), fewer No of involved calyces (OR = -1.23, P = 0.0007) and lower proportion of staghorn stone (OR = 0.33, P < 0.0001). Moreover, SF patients had significantly lower score of Guy score (WMD = -0.64, P < 0.0001), but, S.T.O.N.E. score (WMD = -1.23, P < 0.0001) and a higher score of CROES nomogram (WMD = 29.48, P = 0.003). However, the comparison of area under curves (AUC) of predicting SFR indicated that there was no remarkable difference between three SSSs. Nonetheless, Guy score was the only stone scoring system that predicted complications after PCNL (WMD = -0.29, 95% CI: - 0.57 to - 0.02, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis indicated that the three SSSs were equally, feasible and accurate for predicting SFR after PCNL. However, Guy score was the only stone scoring system that predicted complications after PCNL.

Contemporary Trends in Percutaneous Nephrolithomy Across New York State: A Review of the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System.

Introduction and Objectives: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a complex multistep surgery that has shown a steady increase in use for the past decade in the United States. We sought to evaluate the trends and factors associated with PCNL usage across New York State (NYS). Our goal was to characterize patient demographics and socioeconomic factors across high-, medium-, and low-volume institutions. Materials and Methods: We searched the NYS, Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database from 2006 to 2014 using ICD-9 Procedure Codes 55.04 (percutaneous nephrostomy with fragmentation) for all hospital discharges. Patient demographics including age, gender, race, insurance status, and length of hospital stay were obtained. We characterized each hospital as a low-, medium-, or high-volume center by year. Patient and hospital demographics were compared and reported using chi-square analysis and Student's t-test for categorical and continuous variables, respectively, with statistical significance as a p-value of <0.05. Results: We identified a total of 4576 procedures performed from 2006 to 2014 at a total of 77 hospitals in NYS (Table 1). Total PCNL volume performed across all NYS hospitals increased in the past decade, with the greatest number of procedures performed in 2012 to 2013. Low-volume institutions were more likely to provide care to minority populations (21.4% vs 17.3%, p < 0.001) and those with Medicaid (25.5% vs 21.5%, p < 0.001). High-volume institutions provided care to patients with private insurance (42.1% vs 34.0%, p < 0.001) and had a shorter length of stay (3.3 days vs 4.1 days, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our data provide insight into the patient demographics of those treated at high-, medium-, and low-volume hospitals for PCNL across NYS. Significant differences in race, insurance status, and length of stay were noted between low- and high-volume institutions, indicating that racial and socioeconomic factors play a role in access to care at high-volume centers.

Change of Trends in the Treatment Modality for Pediatric Nephrolithiasis: Retrospective Analysis of a US-Based Insurance Claims Database.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to show the prevalence and investigate treatment trends of pediatric nephrolithiasis based on a large population of U.S. insurance individual's data. Materials and Methods: This research involved a retrospective observational cohort study. Administrative claims data were extracted from the IBM® MarketScan® Research Database. We included all patients newly diagnosed with nephrolithiasis, aged <18 years old at the time of diagnosis from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2014. The patient cohort with nephrolithiasis was selected using the International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code for nephrolithiasis. Each treatment method was searched by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code. Results: A total of 28,014 patients were found to have nephrolithiasis in our cohort. Of nephrolithiasis patients, 701 (2.5%) patients were treated by surgical methods. The mean age of patients at the time of treatment was 13 years old. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) was the most used treatment modality during the period. SWL was performed in 66% of patients. The number of cases of SWL did not tend to change according to year, whereas retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) tended to increase from 15% to 31%. Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) decreased from 13% to <10 cases. The number of open surgeries was very small and did not show any tendency. Conclusion: During the study period, SWL is stable. RIRS has become more popular in treating renal stones, whereas PCNL has decreased. These results suggest that the RIRS has become more popular than PCNL in treating large renal stones.

Emerging Technologies in Ultrasonic and Pneumatic Lithotripsy.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the treatment of choice for large renal stones. Larger, straight access tracts allow for use of rigid pneumatic and ultrasonic lithotripsy devices. Through advanced technologies, more efficient fragmentation has become possible, allowing for a variety of treatment options depending on stone location, size, and composition. As novel methods of lithotripsy enter the clinical sphere, it is a requirement that the operating urologist understand the available surgical options and the associated mechanisms used to best treat their patients. This article discusses the mechanisms of basic pneumatic and ultrasonic devices, and examines the data regarding current and novel combination lithotrites.

Recent surgical treatments for urinary stone disease in a Korean population: National population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To provide surgical treatment trends for urinary stone disease in Korea. METHODS: We analyzed medical service claim data of surgical treatments to urinary stone disease submitted by medical service providers from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service from 2009 to 2016. RESULTS: There was a significantly increasing trend among outpatients and inpatients for urinary stone disease from 2009 to 2016 (R2  = 0.643, P = 0.017; R2  = 0.575, P = 0.029). The number of shock wave lithotripsy for treating urinary stone disease increased by 16% from 89 553 in 2009 to 104 013 in 2016 (R2  = 0.684). The number of ureteroscopic lithotripsy increased by 97% from 6106 in 2009 to 12 057 in 2016 (R2  = 0.99). The number of flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy increased by 16-fold from 219 in 2009 to 3712 in 2016 (R2  = 0.756). The number of percutaneous nephrolithotomy increased by 99.7% from 919 in 2009 to 1835 in 2016 (R2  = 0.987). The use of non-contrast and contrast-enhanced computed tomography in the diagnostic codes for urinary stone disease increased by 394.8% and 263.3% from 2009 to 2016, respectively (R2  = 0.83; R2  = 0.967). Conversely, the use of intravenous pyelography decreased 26.2% over the same period (R2  = 0.945). CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient and inpatient procedures for urinary stone disease have increased over the past 8 years in Korea. Shock wave lithotripsy is the most widely used treatment modality for urinary stone disease, and endoscopic surgical procedures are rapidly being implemented. There has been a steep increase in the use of computed tomography, whereas conventional intravenous pyelography is declining.

Changing Trends in the Treatment of Nephrolithiasis in the Real World.

INTRODUCTION: Changes in the surgical treatment of nephrolithiasis, owing to recent technical advances and innovations, have made treatments more effective and less invasive. In this retrospective, observational cohort study, we identified the changing trends in the treatment of nephrolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included patients with newly diagnosed nephrolithiasis who received any treatment in the United States, including extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and open surgery, from January 2007 to December 2014. Demographic factors, such as age, sex, region, surgical treatment type, and cost data, were analyzed. RESULTS: The median age of patients at treatment was 52 years, and the ratio of men and women was similar. There were definite changes in the trends of all treatment modalities (p < 0.01). Both the number and percentage tended to increase for RIRS, whereas for SWL, the number increased, but the percentage showed a steady decrease. In PCNL, both number and percentage increased to a minor degree. The overall cost of nephrolithiasis treatments during the study period nearly doubled (from $30,998,726 to $57,310,956). The number of treatments and average cost per treatment increased annually for each treatment modality. RIRS was the least expensive; the other procedures in decreasing order of their mean costs were as follows: SWL, PCNL, and open surgery. CONCLUSIONS: There was a gradual but constant change in treatment trends of nephrolithiasis, with an increasing trend for RIRS and a decreasing trend for SWL. Although PCNL has relatively invasive characteristics, it is still in steady demand.

Updates in endourological management of urolithiasis.

Urinary stone disease, or urolithiasis, is a very common disease with increasing prevalence and incidence. With the advancement of endoscopic techniques, the treatment outcomes of ureteroscopy (or transureteral lithotripsy) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy are continuously improving. In recent years, there have been many new developments in the field, including new endoscopy design, more effective auxiliary tools, improvement in treatment protocols, introduction of robotic technology, combining both ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery or transureteral lithotripsy-assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy), improvement in laser technology, and so on. All these new inputs will further improve the treatment efficacy and safety of the procedures, thus benefiting our patients. In the present review, we briefly go through the main steps of ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, with a concise description and application of these new advances.

Supra-costal tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy is not associated with increased complication rate: a prospective study of safety and efficacy of supra-costal versus sub-costal access.

BACKGROUND: To assess the morbidities of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using supra-costal access and re-evaluate traditional concept of increased complications with supra-costal access. METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2014, a single surgeon performed 118 consecutive one-stage fluoroscopic guided PCNL's for complex renal and upper ureteral stone. Our definition for complex renal stone is defined as partial or complete staghorn stone, multiple renal stones in more than 2 calyxes, obstructive uretero-pelvic stone > 2 cm, and a renal stone in single functional kidney. Inclusion criteria include: staghorn stones, renal calculi > 2 cm in diameter, upper ureteral stone > 1.5 cm in diameter. Exclusion criteria for tubeless PCNL include: significant bleeding or perforation of the collecting system, large residue stone, multiple PCNL tract and obstructive renal anatomy. Morbidity, operation time, analgesia requirement, length of hospital stay, stone- free rate, were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 118 consecutive PCNL, eighty-six patients underwent tubeless PCNL (56 supra-costal and 30 sub-costal) and included in our prospective follow-up period. The mean age, operation side, stone locations were similar. The male to female ratio is higher in supra-costal than sub-costal. Large renal stones and staghorn stones makes up for most patients (supra-costal: 75%, sub-costal: 80%). The stone-free rate of supra-costal group was 59% (33/56) and in sub-costal group was 50% (15/30). The operative times, length of stay, post-op analgesic use, hematocrit change was similar in both groups. The overall complication rate is 6% [supra-costal (1/56), sub-costal (4/30)] with the majority being infectious complications. CONCLUSIONS: Supra-costal access above 12th rib during tubeless PCNL is safe and effective procedure and is not associated with higher incidence of post-op complications in experience hands.

Chronological changes in the epidemiological characteristics of upper urinary tract urolithiasis in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: To assess epidemiological and chronological trends of upper urinary tract stones in Japan in 2015. METHODS: Patients with a first episode of upper urinary tract stones in 2015 were enrolled in this nationwide survey. The study included all hospitals approved by the Japanese Board of Urology, therefore covering most of the hospitals where urologists practice in Japan. The annual incidence and composition of urolithiasis were evaluated by age and sex. These results were compared with the previous results of the nationwide surveys from 1965 to 2005 to analyze temporal trends. RESULTS: The estimated annual incidence of a first-episode upper urinary tract stone in 2015 was 137.9 (191.9 in men and 86.9 in women) per 100 000. The estimated age-standardized first-episode upper urinary tract stone incidence in 2015 was 107.8 (150.6 in men and 63.3 in women) per 100 000, which did not represent a significant increase since 2005. An equivalent incidence was observed in patients aged >50 years, whereas a reduced incidence was observed in patients aged <50 years in both sexes. The proportion of patients who received percutaneous nephrolithotomy and/or ureteroscopy increased by approximately fivefold in the past 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: The steady increase in the annual incidence of upper urinary tract stones since 1955 leveled off in 2015. The current results show novel trends in the incidence and treatment modalities in the nationwide surveys of urolithiasis in Japan.

Current trends of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in a developing country

ABSTRACT Introduction To present the current practice patterns on percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in a developing country. Materials and Methods A survey was offered to Brazilian urologists during the II International Endourology Symposium held in Sao Paulo, in 2015. The first seven questions were related to demographic data while the 20 remaining were directed to urologists who performed PCNL. Results From 250 participants, 100 replied to the survey, 81% performed PCNL and 60.4% of performers had been in practice for less than 15 years. Eighty-one percent were trained in the prone position and 64% in supine. PCNL was learned during the residency in 66.7% and 2.5% had fellowship training. Prone position was the preferred decubitus for simple or complex calculi, though for obese patients there was no difference. Younger surgeons prefer supine while older surgeons prefer prone. The access was obtained by the surgeon in all cases, 96.3% use fluoroscopy and 3.7% prefer ultrasonography. Forty-seven percent use ultrasonic lithotripters and 4.1% laser. For kidney drainage, 71.6% place a nephrostomy tube. Double J stent is left in 77%. The postoperative image method was CT for 50%. Colonic injury was reported by 25%, predominantly in the senior group without statistically difference between positions. Conclusions From a selected group of urologists, we observe that Brazilian urologists usually gain their own access for PCNL guided by fluoroscopy. They predominantly prefer the prone position, use fascial dilators, ultrasonic lithotripters and place a nephrostomy tube when exiting the kidney. Fellowship programs, ultrasonography, flexible nephoscopy and tubeless procedures could be encouraged.

Current trends of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in a developing country.

INTRODUCTION: To present the current practice patterns on percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in a developing country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was offered to Brazilian urologists during the II International Endourology Symposium held in Sao Paulo, in 2015. The first seven questions were related to demographic data while the 20 remaining were directed to urologists who performed PCNL. RESULTS: From 250 participants, 100 replied to the survey, 81% performed PCNL and 60.4% of performers had been in practice for less than 15 years. Eighty-one percent were trained in the prone position and 64% in supine. PCNL was learned during the residency in 66.7% and 2.5% had fellowship training. Prone position was the preferred decubitus for simple or complex calculi, though for obese patients there was no difference. Younger surgeons prefer supine while older surgeons prefer prone. The access was obtained by the surgeon in all cases, 96.3% use fluoroscopy and 3.7% prefer ultrasonography. Forty-seven percent use ultrasonic lithotripters and 4.1% laser. For kidney drainage, 71.6% place a nephrostomy tube. Double J stent is left in 77%. The postoperative image method was CT for 50%. Colonic injury was reported by 25%, predominantly in the senior group without statistically difference between positions. CONCLUSIONS: From a selected group of urologists, we observe that Brazilian urologists usually gain their own access for PCNL guided by fluoroscopy. They predominantly prefer the prone position, use fascial dilators, ultrasonic lithotripters and place a nephrostomy tube when exiting the kidney. Fellowship programs, ultrasonography, flexible nephoscopy and tubeless procedures could be encouraged.

Current trends and pitfalls in endoscopic treatment of urolithiasis.

Current development of endoscopic technology, lithotripters, and stone-retrieval devices has expanded the indications for retrograde and antegrade endoscopic therapy in the management of urolithiasis. This technology has also resulted in minimally invasive therapy. As surgeons' experience of endourological procedures with the newer instruments has become integrated, the surgical technique and indications for urolithiasis have also changed in the past few years. The present review provides an overview of endourological procedures for upper urinary tract stones and the key points related to surgical techniques.

Burden of Urolithiasis: Trends in Prevalence, Treatments, and Costs.

CONTEXT: The recent evolution of management options for urolithiasis has presented a unique dilemma for the modern urologist. A comprehensive understanding of epidemiological trends along with current provider preferences in treating urinary stones would be beneficial. OBJECTIVE: To review trends in the prevalence, treatments, and costs of urolithiasis worldwide. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature review was performed using the MEDLINE database, the Cochrane Library Central search facility, Web of Science, and Google Scholar between 1986 and 2016. Keywords used for the search were "urolithiasis" and "prevalence; treatment; and cost". EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The incidence and prevalence of urinary stones are rising around the world, including regions that have historically had low rates of urolithiasis. Common theories explaining this trend involve climate warming, dietary changes, and obesity. Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) has been the preferred mode of treatment since its introduction in the 1980s. However, ureteroscopy (URS) has become increasingly popular for small stones regardless of location because of lower recurrence rates and costs. Developing countries have been slower to adopt URS technology and continue to use percutaneous nephrolithotomy at a steady rate. CONCLUSIONS: URS has recently challenged SWL as the treatment modality preferred for small upper urinary tract stones. In some cases it is less expensive but still highly effective. As the burden of stone disease increases worldwide, appropriate selection of stone removal therapies will continue to play an important role and will thus require further investigation. PATIENT SUMMARY: Urinary stones are becoming more prevalent. Recent advances in technology have improved the management of this disease and have decreased costs.

Trends of 'urolithiasis: interventions, simulation, and laser technology' over the last 16 years (2000-2015) as published in the literature (PubMed): a systematic review from European section of Uro-technology (ESUT).

PURPOSE: To look at the bibliometric publication trends on 'Urolithiasis' and aspects of treatment and training associated with it over a period of 16 years from 2000 to 2015. To this end, we conducted this study to look at the publication trends associated with urolithiasis, including the use of simulation, laser technology, and all types of interventions for it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature using PubMed over the last 16 years, from January 2000 to December 2015 for all published papers on 'Urolithiasis'. While there were no language restrictions, English language articles and all non-English language papers with published English abstracts were also included. Case reports, animal and laboratory studies, and those studies that did not have a published abstract were excluded from our analysis. We also analyzed the data in two time periods, period-1 (2000-2007) and period-2 (2008-2015). RESULTS: During the last 16 years, a total of 5343 papers were published on 'Urolithiasis', including 4787 in English language and 556 in non-English language. This included papers on URS (n = 1200), PCNL (n = 1715), SWL (n = 887), open stone surgery (n = 87), laparoscopic stone surgery (n = 209), pyelolithotomy (n = 35), simulation in Endourology (n = 82), and use of laser for stone surgery (n = 406). When comparing the two time periods, during period 2, the change was +171% (p = 0.007), +279% (p < 0.001), and -17% (p = 0.2) for URS, PCNL, and SWL, respectively. While there was a rise in laparoscopic surgery (+116%), it decreased for open stone surgery (-11%) and pyelolithotomy (-47%). A total of 82 papers have been published on simulation for stone surgery including 48 papers for URS (67% rise in period-2, p = 0.007), and 34 papers for PCNL (480% rise in period-2, p < 0.001). A rising trend for the use of laser was also seen in period 2 (increase of 126%, p < 0.02, from 124 papers to 281 papers). CONCLUSIONS: Published papers on intervention for Urolithiasis have risen over the last 16 years. While there has been a steep rise of URS and minimally invasive PCNL techniques, SWL and open surgery have shown a slight decline over this period. A similar increase has also been seen for the use of simulation and lasers in Endourology.