What is endourology?
Endourology is a minimally invasive surgical technique by which many diseases of the upper and lower urinary tract, from the urethra to the kidney, can be treated endoscopically.
What does it consist of?
The endourology surgery is performed by means of an instrument similar to a telescope (endoscope), which is coupled to a camera and endourological instruments, which enters the body through the ducts and natural cavities, such as the urethra, bladder, ureter and kidney, without making incisions.
This endoscopic procedure allows treating the patient’s problem on an outpatient basis, whether male or female, regardless of age or weight, without significant bleeding. An open surgery can be avoided and finally presenting an excellent evolution and a prompt return to work.
This technique allows the removal or fragmentation of kidney stones and surgeons can also determine what causes them and help prevent more from forming.
What are the different types of endourological procedures?
Endo urological procedures differ from traditional urological procedures in that they are minimally invasive. The different types are:
- Urethroscopy: this is performed if the surgeon needs to have a complete view of the urethra or bladder and needs to take tissue samples from the lining of any area to clarify the problem. The procedure is used to treat strictures of obstructions of the urethra.
- Cystoscopy: is used to look inside the bladder using a thin camera called a cystoscope. It is inserted into the urethra and passed into the bladder to allow the doctor to see inside. Small instruments can be passed through the cystoscope to treat bladder problems.
- Ureteroscopy is an effective way for the urologist to get a clear view of the urinary tract, remove or break up stones and remove suspicious-looking tissue. Doctors sometimes use this procedure as part of shock wave lithotripsy, a treatment for breaking up kidney stones. Ureteroscopy is used to treat urinary obstruction and tumors of the ureter.
- Nephroscopy is a non-surgical way of examining the inside of the kidneys. It is used to treat kidney stones, tumors of the lining of the kidney and other conditions in the upper urinary tract. Using a small instrument, called a nephroscope, the thin part of the tube is inserted into the skin.
How is an endourologic procedure performed?
Tiny, thin instruments, including lasers, scalpel graspers, miniature stone removal baskets and cautery, are used through the urethra, bladder or ureter to perform the surgery without having to make large incisions.
In addition to removing kidney stones, surgeons can determine their causes and prevent them.
can determine their causes and prevent them.
Am I a candidate for endourology?
Whether or not a patient is a suitable candidate for an endourological procedure depends on the outcome of an evaluation performed by an endourologist or laparoscopist. The patient’s medical history and the nature of the disease are taken into account.