"Stand-up" urologic endoscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To report the advantages of performing diagnostic and therapeutic urologic endoscopic procedures with the urologic surgeon in the standing-up position.


METHODS
Our 25-year institutional experience with more than 10,000 cases of transurethral ablation of the prostate and other urologic endoscopic procedures, performed by the urologist in the standing-up position, was examined. A questionnaire of all 55 of our former urology residents was carried out to determine current practice trends.


RESULTS
We have noted no drawbacks from performing transurethral surgery in the standing-up position. Ninety-two percent of the respondents believe that the standing-up position was more comfortable for endoscopic surgery than the sitting-down position.


CONCLUSIONS
the standing-up technique of transurethral surgery minimizes positional stresses on the urologist's cervical and thoracic spine while optimizing endoscopic visualization and maneuverability. We recommend it in preference to the conventional sitting-down technique.
McRoberts
J W
JW
Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, Lexington, USA.
Gill
I S
IS
Ray
C G
CG
Wood
D P
DP
D019723:Endoscopes; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007629:Kentucky; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014566:Urogenital System