Laparoscopic nephrolithotomy and pyelolithotomy

Limited evidence suggests that laparoscopic nephrolithotomy and pyelolithotomy are safe and efficacious enough, provided that normal arrangements are in place for consent, audit and clinical governance.

These procedures should only be performed by surgeons who have advanced laparoscopic skills working within a multidisciplinary team experienced in the management of renal stones.

Since the majority of patients with renal stones can be managed by less invasive treatments, clinicians are encouraged to collect and publish data to inform selection of patients for this procedure.