Kidney Stones

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A new laboratory study suggests that a widely available nutritional supplement has potential to become a new treatment for the wide majority of kidney stones. Clinical research is still pending, however, and there are important caveats about the findings.

Once considered a primary option for kidney stone treatment, shock wave lithotripsy appears to be losing traction. Many urologists say its outcomes aren’t as reliable as those from ureteroscopy. But others say it remains an option that works well with proper patient selection and technique and offers what ureteroscopy doesn’t: a noninvasive option.

Two-thirds of patients attending a urology clinic for the management of urolithiasis failed to meet physical activity guidelines. In addition, patients with recent symptomatic urolithiasis were significantly more likely to be current smokers than those without recent symptomatic urolithiasis, according to a recent study.

When it comes to urinary stone disease, it appears that prescribers know what they’re doing. According to a study presented at the World Congress of Endourology and SWL in London, non-adherence to kidney stone medications led to a significant increase in adverse health outcomes.

Findings from preclinical studies evaluating the performance of an investigational single-use digital flexible ureteroscope (Lithovue, Boston Scientific) support it as a viable alternative to current non-disposable flexible digital and fiberoptic ureteroscopes, said Brian H. Eisner, MD, at the World Congress of Endourology and SWL in London.

Novel ultrasound-based techniques for propelling and breaking kidney stones could soon join ESWL and URS in the urologist’s treatment armamentarium. In this interview, Michael Bailey, PhD, discusses how these technologies work, what they’re capable of, and where they are in development.

Other products highlighted in this slideshow include a trial system for incontinence therapy, a compact catheter, a wearable digital technology solution for continence care assessment and management, and laser fiber and sheath system.