Accessory instrumentation for ureteroscopy.
OBJECTIVE
The use of ureteroscopy for diagnostic and therapeutic applications has evolved rapidly over the past 5 years. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent advances in instrumentation for rigid and flexible ureteroscopy.


RESULTS
Advances in accessory instrumentation can be divided into improvements in ureteral access, irrigation, intracorporeal lithotripsy, and stone extraction. By evaluating in-vitro and clinical evaluations of accessory instrumentation, one can identify specific products that may facilitate a positive ureteroscopic outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative preparation is the best predictor of positive outcome after ureteroscope. The cornerstone to preoperative preparation is the proper selection of accessory instrumentation. There is no greater frustration than to see the target but be unable to address it.
Monga
Manoj
M
Department of Urology/Urologic Surgery, MCC 394, University of Minnesota, 1420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. endourol@yahoo.com
D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000295:instrumentation; D020709:Ureteroscopes