[Diagnostic and surgical endoscopy of the ureter and kidney. Initial experiences with uretero-renoscopy]

The new method of uretero-renoscopy with rigid endoscopes has extended the possibilities for endoscopic diagnosis and procedures in the ureter and kidney. Our first experiences in 37 patients are absolutely positive even if one considers the initial difficulties passing the ostium. This method, introduced by E. Perez-Castro can be recommended to skilled endoscopists if the basic principles of endoscopy are strictly observed (no hard pushing of instruments, continuous optical and x-ray control with contrast medium and physiologic low pressure irrigation). This advice must be observed even more so in operative uretero-renoscopy, where instruments and techniques are still at an initial stage. It was possible to extract transurethrally nearly half of the ureteral calculi prepared for surgical procedure. Biopsy, coagulation and other methods used in connection with operative cystoscopy can be applied.