UROLITHIASIS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF MODERN DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT APPROACHES

Urolithiasis (urinary stone disease) affects approximately 10–15% of the global population and represents one of the most prevalent urological conditions worldwide. The pathogenesis involves complex interactions between metabolic, dietary, genetic, and environmental factors leading to supersaturation and crystallization within the urinary tract. This review examines contemporary diagnostic modalities and treatment strategies for urolithiasis, including conservative pharmacological management, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and emerging minimally invasive techniques. Special attention is given to individualized patient selection criteria, evidence-based outcomes, complication profiles, and recurrence prevention protocols. Recent advances in laser technology, robotic-assisted surgery, and artificial intelligence–guided stone analysis are also discussed. A comprehensive, patient-centered approach integrating metabolic evaluation and dietary modification remains the cornerstone of long-term stone disease management.