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.
Keywords: Devices; Lithotripsy; Percutaneous; Pneumatic; Ultrasonic.
Published by Elsevier Inc.