This focused issue on “Minimally Invasive Treatments for Kidney Stones” is edited by Dr. Bhaskar Somani, Department of Urology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, Hampshire, UK.
Dr. Somani is the clinical lead for the endourology unit, with responsibility for running the stone clinics, operating lists, multidisciplinary team (MDT) and lithotripsy (using ultrasound waves to break down kidney stones) services (SWL). He is a high volume surgeon and performs more than 200 ureteric or renal endoscopic procedures per year, specializing in paediatric stone surgery. His main interests are in stone disease, benign prostate disorders, urinary tract infections, haematuria (blood in urine) and general urology.
This issue of Translational Andrology and Urology (TAU) is devoted to “Minimally Invasive Treatments for Kidney Stones” giving a comprehensive overview of different stone management options. All range of kidney stone treatments are discussed. It includes shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) optimisation, supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), urinary alkalization and role of robotic surgery for stone treatment. Latest technology in ureteral stents, laser technology, single-use ureteroscopes and scope handling/usage has also been discussed. The role and outcomes of ureteroscopy (URS) in paediatric patients, spinal cord injury patients along with pictorial tips and tricks of URS are covered in detail.
