Ureteral access for upper urinary tract disease: the access sheath

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Endourology

Background:

• Ureteral access with flexible ureteroscopes presents challenges for urologists.
• Efficient access is crucial for effective treatment of ureteral and renal calculi.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a step-by-step technique for ureteral access using a novel ureteral access sheath.
• To highlight the utility of this sheath in facilitating stone fragmentation and extraction.

Main Methods:

• A newly developed, site-specific ureteral access sheath was utilized.
• The technique focuses on facilitating entry into the ureter for subsequent procedures.

Main Results:

• The ureteral access sheath facilitates entry into the ureter.
• Routine use of the sheath aids in fragmentation and basket extraction of calculi.

Conclusions:

• The described technique and ureteral access sheath offer a solution to challenges in ureteral access.
• This approach enhances the efficiency of treating ureteral and renal calculi.