What Is an Endourologist / Stone Disease Specialist?
An endourologist is a urologist who has completed additional fellowship training (typically 1–2 years) focused on kidney stones and minimally invasive surgical techniques. These specialists are experts in treating stones anywhere in the urinary tract using advanced endoscopic and percutaneous (through-the-skin) approaches, as well as managing conditions like UPJ obstruction. Fellowship training is sponsored by the Endourological Society, and there are over 50 fellowship programs in the United States.
What Conditions Does an Endourologist Treat?
- Kidney stones — active stones causing pain, known stones needing treatment, and complex or large stones
- Ureteral stones (stones stuck in the tube between the kidney and bladder)
- Staghorn calculi (large, branching stones that fill the kidney)
- Recurrent stone formers — metabolic evaluation and prevention strategies
- UPJ obstruction (a blockage where the kidney meets the ureter)
- Stones in patients with abnormal anatomy (horseshoe kidney, transplant kidney, etc.)
What Procedures Does an Endourologist Perform?
Endourologists specialize in minimally invasive stone treatment. Key procedures include ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy (using a small scope and laser to break up stones), percutaneous nephrolithotomy or PCNL (removing large stones through a small incision in the back), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or ESWL (using sound waves from outside the body to break stones), ureteral stent placement and removal, and robotic or open pyeloplasty (repair of UPJ obstruction).
Who Should See an Endourologist?
Anyone with kidney stones — whether experiencing active pain, needing treatment for a known stone, dealing with recurrent stones, or needing a prevention plan — should consider seeing an endourologist. Patients with large or complex stones, stones that have failed prior treatment, or UPJ obstruction are especially good candidates for this subspecialty.