Ureteroscopy
Ureteroscopy is an examination of the upper urinary tract, usually performed with a ureteroscope that is passed through the urethra and the bladder, and then directly into the ureter.[1] The procedure is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders such as kidney stones and urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract.[1] Smaller stones in the bladder or lower ureter can be removed in one piece, while bigger ones are usually broken before removal during ureteroscopy.[citation needed] The examination may be performed with either a flexible, semi-rigid or rigid device while the patient is under anesthesia.[1] In specific cases, the patient is free to go home after the examination.[2] In pyeloscopy, the endoscope is designed to reach all the way to the renal pelvis (also called pyelum), thereby allowing visualisation of the entire drainage system of the kidney.[3] The endoscope can contain an instrument port which allows for introduction of laser fibres to fragment stones, and micro-baskets to retrieve stone fragments.[3] Kidney stones up to 2 cm in size can be treated by pyeloscopy.[3] References
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