Endourology

Endourology is a range of procedures that involve the use of small fiberoptic scopes which can be passed through the urethra to visualize the lining of the urinary tract from kidney to bladder. Endourological procedures may be carried out through the urinary lumens without the need for an incision.

The instruments including lasers, graspers, miniature stone retrieval baskets, special scalpels, and cautery are thin and flexible. These instruments can be passed through channels in the endoscopes to perform surgery without requiring any incisions. Most endoscopic procedures may be performed on an outpatient basis.

Endourological procedures include the following:

1. Urethroscopy is used to treat blockages or strictures of the urethra.
   
   
2. Ureteroscopy is used to treat tumours and stones of the ureter.
   
   
3. Nephroscopy is used to treat tumours and stones of the kidney lining.
   
   
4. Cystoscopy is used to treat bladder tumours and stones. The removal of obstructing prostate tissue can also be performed with this approach. Flexible plastic tubes called stents may be passed up the ureter using cystoscopy and x-rays to relieve blockage of the ureter.
   
   

Urological diseases that may be treated this way include ureteral obstruction, enlargement of the prostate (not used for prostate cancer), bladder tumours, stones within the urinary tract and urethral obstruction.