Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management

Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management

Procedures for Kidney StonesMedical intervention is necessary when kidney stones or renal calculi are too large to pass spontaneously (typically greater than 5 millimeters) when stones are accompanied by symptomatic infection (such as fever or pyelonephritis), when they impair kidney function, or when they cause persistent symptoms like severe pain, nausea, or urinary retention. Additionally, patients with only one kidney or those who cannot be treated with medical management also require...

Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography

Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography

IntroductionIntravenous Urography (IVU) and Retrograde Pyelography (RP) are important diagnostic imaging techniques used to evaluate the urinary system. These methods help identify structural abnormalities, obstructions, and functional issues in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Both procedures use iodine-based contrast media to enhance the visibility of urinary tract structures on X-ray images, though they differ in their methods and indications.1. Intravenous Urography (IVU)Intravenous...

Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination

Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination

Meaning of Cystoscopic Examination:Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool in urology that is used to assess the structure and function of the genitourinary system. It provides a direct view of the urethra, bladder, and, in some cases, the ureteral openings. This procedure helps detect structural abnormalities, infections, cancers, and blockages in the urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopy:Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed in outpatient settings due to its less invasive...

Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography

Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography

IntroductionUltrasonography, or renal ultrasound, is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and surrounding tissues.Indications for Urinary System UltrasonographyUrinary system ultrasonography is indicated in various clinical scenarios, such as:Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis): To detect and monitor the size and presence of kidney or urinary tract stones.Hydronephrosis: To assess the dilation of the renal pelvis and...

Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure

Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure

Preoperative ManagementThe primary goals of preoperative management in kidney transplantation are to optimize the patient’s metabolic state and prepare them for surgery through diet adjustments, necessary dialysis, and tailored medical treatment. This phase also involves comprehensive infection screening and patient education about the surgical procedure and postoperative care to improve outcomes and adherence.Medical ManagementA comprehensive evaluation is required for both the living...

Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies

Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) StudiesKidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) studies are standard diagnostic imaging procedures used to assess the anatomy of the urinary system. They are commonly utilized for patients experiencing abdominal pain or urinary symptoms. By using a simple X-ray of the abdomen, KUB studies can reveal structural and pathological abnormalities within the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. These studies are particularly valuable in diagnosing kidney stones, urinary...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Characterization of renal pelvis compliance and outflow resistance during ureteroscopy of the ex-vivo human kidney.

American journal of clinical and experimental urology·2026

Same author

Development and Evaluation of a Mesh-Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Composite Small Bowel for Small Bowel Anastomosis Training.

Simulation in healthcare : journal of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare·2026

Same author

Physiology-driven reversible dynamic synthetic tissue model for responsive moulage in infected wound training.

PloS one·2026

Same author

3D printed anisotropic tissue simulants with embedded fluid capsules for medical simulation and training.

Science advances·2025

Same author

Pain location after ureteroscopy differs based on sex and stone location: results from STENTS.

BJU international·2025

Same author

Facilitated Clearance of Small, Asymptomatic Renal Stones With Burst Wave Lithotripsy and Ultrasonic Propulsion.

The Journal of urology·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 3, 2025

Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Published on: November 22, 2019

Retained Digital Flexible Ureteroscope During Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

Tony T Chen¹, Ian Metzler¹, Robert M Sweet¹

¹Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.

Journal of Endourology Case Reports

|October 26, 2020

Summary

A retained ureteroscope during percutaneous nephrolithotomy is rare. This case demonstrates successful endoscopic management, avoiding open surgery and preserving the ureter and instrument.

Keywords:

complication percutaneous nephrolithotomy retained ureteroscope ureteroscopy

More Related Videos

A Two-Step Method for Percutaneous Transhepatic Choledochoscopic Lithotomy

A Two-Step Method for Percutaneous Transhepatic Choledochoscopic Lithotomy

Published on: September 13, 2022

A Mouse Model to Evaluate the Long-Term Structural and Functional Outcomes after the Reversal of Prolonged Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction

A Mouse Model to Evaluate the Long-Term Structural and Functional Outcomes after the Reversal of Prolonged Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction

Published on: July 18, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Dec 3, 2025

Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Published on: November 22, 2019

A Two-Step Method for Percutaneous Transhepatic Choledochoscopic Lithotomy

A Two-Step Method for Percutaneous Transhepatic Choledochoscopic Lithotomy

Published on: September 13, 2022

A Mouse Model to Evaluate the Long-Term Structural and Functional Outcomes after the Reversal of Prolonged Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction

A Mouse Model to Evaluate the Long-Term Structural and Functional Outcomes after the Reversal of Prolonged Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction

Published on: July 18, 2025

Area of Science:

Urology
Endourology
Surgical Complications

Background:

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) utilizes retrograde flexible ureteroscopy for stone repositioning and improved outcomes.
While rare, retained ureteroscopes during PCNL pose a significant intraoperative challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

To report a rare case of a retained flexible ureteroscope during PCNL.
To describe the successful endoscopic management of this complication.

Main Methods:

A 59-year-old male with large bilateral kidney stones underwent PCNL.
Retrograde flexible ureteroscopy was employed, but the ureteroscope became trapped within the ureteral access sheath.
Antegrade endoscopic techniques were used for management.

Main Results:

The retained flexible ureteroscope was successfully retrieved using an antegrade endoscopic approach.
This endoscopic management avoided the need for open surgery.
The ureter and the ureteroscope were preserved.

Conclusions:

Retained flexible ureteroscopes during PCNL are uncommon but serious complications.
Endoscopic management, even with antegrade techniques, can be a viable alternative to open surgery.
Careful endoscopic management can lead to successful outcomes, preserving both the patient's anatomy and the surgical instrument.