Surgical intervention for urolithiasis: does it result in long-term medical complications?

The association of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and hypertension is a controversial subject. This Commentary discusses the article by Denberg et al., which found an association between new-onset hypertension and SWL, but not ureteroscopy. Ureteroscopy has improved significantly since its introduction and now plays a role as a primary initial treatment for stone disease.