To examine national trends in the incidence, management patterns, and demographic characteristics of patients presenting with ureteric calculi in Australia over a 19-year period.
A retrospective population-based analysis was performed using three national datasets: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Admissions and procedures associated with ureteric calculi from 2000-2001 to 2018-2019 were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), and Australian Classification of Health Interventions (ACHI)/MBS procedural codes. Incidence rates were population-adjusted, and temporal trends were assessed using linear regression.
Population-adjusted incidence of ureteric calculi rose by 95% (85.6 to 166.9 per 100,000) over the study period. Procedural interventions increased by 90% (34.0 to 64.7 per 100,000), while the national intervention rate remained stable at approximately 36%. Diagnoses of hydronephrosis with calculus obstruction showed the largest increase (481%). Public hospitals experienced a disproportionate rise in interventions, particularly endoscopic stone destruction (323% increase versus 48% in private hospitals). Interventions increased among adults ≥65 years and women. Same-day discharge rates increased for both conservative and interventional pathways, converging at approximately 45% by 2018-2019.
Australia has experienced a substantial rise in ureteric calculus burden accompanied by proportional increases in procedural interventions. Sector-specific and demographic shifts highlight evolving patterns in stone disease and healthcare utilization, with significant implications for future resource planning.
Cureus. 2026 Feb 14*** epublish ***
Aqeel Roomy, Taha Mollah, Martin Onotevu, Ahmed Nada, Mohammad Habbal, Badr Rafi, Frans Pretorius
General Surgery, Goulburn Valley Health, Shepparton, AUS., General Surgery, Saint Vincent Hospital, Melbourne, AUS., General Surgery, Western Health, Melbourne , AUS., Urology, Ministry of the National Guard - Health Affairs, Jeddah, SAU.