Contemporary Management of Urolithiasis: From Pathophysiology to Novel Interventions

This chapter presents an integrated review of the pathophysiology, metabolic evaluation, and modern surgical management of urolithiasis, encompassing flexible ureteroscopy, miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and shock wave lithotripsy. It critically evaluates the evidence for stone-specific medical expulsive therapy, dietary modification, and pharmacological prophylaxis in recurrent stone formers. Emerging technologies including single-use digital ureteroscopes, ultrasound-guided stone targeting, and robotic assistance in percutaneous access are examined.