Changing Trends in the Use of Ureteroscopic Instruments from 1996 to 2008

Abstract

Over the past 12 years, technological advancements in the field of endourologic surgery have resulted in shifting clinical practice for endourologists, with trends favoring smaller, actively flexible ureteroscopes, intrarenal surgery, and nitinol basket use.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy in comparison with ureteroscopic lithotripsy in the management of impacted upper ureteral stones larger than 12 mm

“…For upper urinary tract lithiasis, the use of ureteroscopic approach has been increasing continuously [1]. The development of smaller-caliber semirigid and flexible ureteroscopes and the introduction of improved instrumentation, including deflectable-tip endoscopes, ureteral access sheaths, superior optics, and stone-retrieval devices, have led to the development of ureteroscopy as a safe and effective treatment option for ureteral stones in all locations [2,3].…”

Impact of Case Volume on Outcomes of Ureteroscopy for Ureteral Stones: The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Ureteroscopy Global Study

“…In particular, the development of smaller calibre semirigid and flexible ureteroscopes and the introduction of improved instrumentation, including deflectable tip endoscopes, ureteral access sheaths, superior optics, and improved lasers and stone retrieval devices, have dramatically expanded the diagnostic and therapeutic applications for URS [3][4][5]. Such technological advances combined with improved surgeon capabilities have established URS as a safe and effective treatment option for active stone removal [6].…”

Is it mandatory to use a guidewire and to collect the stone fragments in lower ureteral calculi?

“…Üreter alt uç taşlarının endoskopik tedavisinde hem cerrahi enstrümanlarda, hem de işlemi gerçekleştiren cerrahların deneyimlerinde meydana gelen ilerlemeler sayesinde birçok modifikasyon geliştirilmiştir. [2,[5][6][7] Eğitim kliniklerinde üretere giriş için girişim öncesi emniyet teli kullanma adeta bir zorunluluk haline gelmiştir. Çünkü daha işin başında üreter orifisinde olabilecek laserasyon ve kanamalar üretere girişi engelleyerek işlemin başarısız olmasına neden olabilmektedir.…”