Endourology and ureteroscopy

Over the past 10 years, endourology and ureteroscopy have revolutionized the field of urinary endoscopy. No longer limited to cystoscopic examination of the lower genitourinary tract, endoscopy incorporates the upper tracts as well. With this surge in upper tract endoscopy has come a rise in the variety of medical instruments available to the endourologist. Beginning with rigid instruments that offered only a limited view, technology has advanced both flexible and rigid instruments that allow access to the entire urinary tract for examination and treatment. Lenses have been designed to give a clearer and wider view of the kidney and ureter, and forceps and graspers have been developed to treat the underlying pathologic conditions. Stents, wires, and nephrostomy tubes have been developed to keep the urinary system patent and readily accessible for reexamination. It is only through the continuous improvement of these instruments that endourology has advanced in the frontier of urologic surgery.