Update on flexible ureteroscopy.
OBJECTIVE
An update on ureteroscopy with focus on current technology and newer instrumentation is presented.


METHODS
A literature search through Medline-indexed journals as well as personal comments are included in this review. Topics such as new semirigid and flexible ureteroscopes, lasers, ureteral access sheats, wires and stone extraction devices are outlined.


RESULTS
Thanks to the continuous advances of technology and miniaturization of instruments, ureteroscopy is an ever-expanding field. A clear outline of the available instruments and techniques with reference to published results catches the status of this dynamic field.


CONCLUSIONS
Urologists are faced with a host of new products related to ureteroscopy every year. This review serves to identify the most useful and proven advances in the field and helps in selecting the equipment needed for a successful minimally invasive approach to upper urinary tract pathologies.
Buscarini
Maurizio
M
Division of Urology and Renal Transplantation, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA. sarchmb@yahoo.com
Conlin
Michael
M
D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008422:Materials Testing; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D012984:Software; D020709:Ureteroscopes; D018666:Ureteroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D014572:Urology / Q000379:methods*