“Ureteric and ascending intrarenal surgery have radically changed the severity of interventions for the treatment of urolithiasis. Technological development in the field of endoscopic surgery with high-definition fiber optics, flexible and small-diameter endoscopes and fine-fiber lasers has brought a “revolution” to the treatment of urinary tract stones,” explains Dr. Mr. Ioannis Bouzalas Urologist – Director of the 6th Urology Clinic, Clinic of Endourology and Minimally Invasive Treatment of Urolithiasis, Metropolitan General And it continues:
“There are three main pillars for a successful endoscopic surgery with the best therapeutic outcome for the patient:

  1. personalization of treatment
  2. experience and expertise / Hardware and technological equipment
  3. rapid recovery protocols’.

Individualization of treatment

“Key” to the treatment of urolithiasis is individualization.
The specialized urologist – endourologist knows and applies all methods. Each patient is unique and the method or combination of methods is chosen by the attending physician to offer a definitive solution to the problem.
The decision on the type of treatment depends primarily on the size of the stone and, secondarily, on its location.
Other factors that may affect the type of treatment are:

  • the patient’s symptoms and medical history
  • the characteristics of the stone

Experience and expertise / Hardware and technological equipment

“Our Clinic provides advanced services in the field of endourology and the treatment of lithiasis of the urinary system. In our daily practice, using the modern technological equipment of Metropolitan General, we perform state-of-the-art endourology procedures.
Flexible laser nephrolithotripsy is a minimally invasive surgical technique for treating kidney stones. Essentially, it is ascending intrarenal surgery (RIRS, retrogade intrarenal surgery), where kidney stones are treated endoscopically, through the urethra, bladder and ureter. It is a safe method with high success rates and a short period of hospitalization,” emphasizes the expert.
According to the guidelines of the European Urological Association (EAU), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the first line of treatment for coralline lithiasis.
Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy is an established, safe and effective method in the treatment of lithiasis of the upper urinary tract.

  • success rate: 95% – 98%
  • complication rate: 1%
  • expected hospitalization time: 48-72 hours

Rapid recovery protocols

Urology is the specialty that has benefited the most in recent years from the technological development in Medicine. Endoscopies with flexible, non-traumatic instruments, microsurgery and robotic surgery have radically changed the surgical gravity of urological procedures for the benefit of the patient. Teams of surgeons and anesthesiologists worldwide are turning their attention to post-operative patient management with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. This modern approach achieves:

  • reducing the risk of complications
  • elimination of postoperative pain
  • rapid mobilization and feeding
  • short duration of hospitalization
  • shorter recovery

“Collaboration with anesthesiologists and physicians of other specialties has solidified the use of enhanced postoperative recovery protocols. It is a multifactorial approach to the intraoperative approach and care of the surgical patient. They are easy to implement, reduce morbidity, perioperative stress, postoperative pain, postoperative complications and hospital stay.
In addition, they reduce the cost of hospitalizations and treatment.
All modern minimally invasive techniques aim to reduce surgical trauma and to minimally affect the normal functioning of the body, during a surgical operation, but also during the recovery period” concludes Mr. Bouzalas.