Neisius A, Thomas C, Roos FC, Hampel C, Fritsche HM, Bach T, Thüroff JW, Knoll T.
Urologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz.
Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie der Universität Regensburg am Caritaskrankenhaus St. Josef, Regensburg.
Urologische Klinik, Asklepios Klinik Harburg, Hamburg.
Urologische Klinik Sindelfingen, Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Tübingen, Sindelfingen.

Abstract

The prevalence of kidney stones is increasing worldwide. Asymptomatic non-obstructing kidney stones are increasingly detected as an incidental finding on radiologic imaging, which has been performed more frequently over the last decades. Beside the current interventional treatment modalities such as extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureterorenoscopy (URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), active surveillance of asymptomatic kidney stones has been a focus of discussion lately, not only for attending physicians, but even more so for patients. The current German and European guidelines recommend active surveillance for patients with asymptomatic kidney stones if no interventional therapy is mandatory because of pain or medical factors. Herein we review the current literature on risks and benefits of active surveillance of asymptomatic non-obstructing kidney stones. 

Aktuelle Urol. 2015 Sep;46(5):391-4. doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1559651. Epub 2015 Sep 17. German.