Urolithiasis Treatment in Australia: The Age of Ureteroscopic Intervention

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of urolithiasis is increasing in the Western population. Significant advances in ureteroscopy and stone fragmentation energy sources have resulted in a paradigm shift in urolithiasis management. We aimed to assess the current state of urolithiasis management in Australia over the last 15 years using population-based data. Methods: Medicare Australia databases were accessed and Medicare rebate codes pertaining to ureteroscopy, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) were extracted per state, year, and gender between 2001 and 2015. Population data were extracted from the Australian Bureau of Statistics website and provided..