History of Renal Stone Surgery: A Narrative Review.

Untreated obstruction of the urinary tract can result in urinary stasis, hydronephrosis, and infection, which in turn lead to tissue damage, chronic renal failure, and potentially death. Renal stones have afflicted humanity throughout history, with surgical approaches evolving significantly over time. This review explores the origins and major developments in surgical techniques for renal stones, enhancing our understanding of how modern procedures have evolved. These techniques were refined over time, driven by improved anatomical knowledge and surgical experimentation. The ancient perineal lithotomy remained a standard treatment until the late 19th century, when advancements in anesthesia and antisepsis emerged. These innovations allowed surgeons to attempt more ambitious procedures, aided by early methods for visualizing internal organs. In the 20th century, innovations in radiology, imaging technologies, and surgical instruments ushered in the era of minimally invasive surgery.