Urology

This minimally invasive procedure makes use of an endoscope (a tiny video camera) and specialized surgical instruments that are attached with the endoscope for operating on kidneys, bladder and ureters. The design of an endoscope is made in such a way that it can pass from the existing space in the body like urethra. An endoscope in some methods is passed through a very tiny incision in the skin to the organ or for the specific area to be treated. Endoscopy is used for a number of diseases of the urinary tract such as ureteral strictures, kidney stones, ureter, and tumors within the kidney collecting system, ureteropelvic junction obstruction and to eliminate obstruction in the kidney.Endoscopy ApproachesAn endoscopic surgery is required for treating a lot of urinary tract diseases such as ureteral strictures, kidney stones, tumors inside the kidney collecting system, ureter, ureteropelvic junction obstruction and relief from blockage in the kidney. Endoscopic surgery basically involves 2 major approaches. Retrograde fashion is the very first approach. This specifies that it should be approached through the lower part of the urinary tract up. A surgeon then connects ureteroscope (a fiberoptic scope) to a camera. A surgeon then views the working of this scope on a monitor when it is being placed in into the bladder. This camera is then advanced in one of the ureters. This course is usually guided by either real time x-ray or fluoroscopy. A stent is then placed within the ureter that depends upon the particular disease of the ureter and is then connected to the kidney with the bladder. This approach is used for bypassing any blockage, stones or strictures that are drained out from the urine. Laser is also sometimes used for breaking strictures or stones. The recovery of a patient depends upon the specific disease.Percutaneous or antegrade fashion is the next approach. This is approached from kidney from the skin. It has been generally seen that a nephrostomy tube is already inserted into the diseased kidney. A patient is then asked to lay down onto their belly and exposing their back. A surgeon then expands the nephrostomy tube tract to around a nickel size diameter. A surgeon then views the kidney by using fiberoptic scope. By the means of this tract, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, kidney stones or tumors can be effectively treated. A tube in the kidney is then left for draining clots, stones or urines. Dye is then injected into the tube after some days. The tube can be removed if the kidney is draining well. The recovery period takes about 1-2 weeks after ureterscopic surgery and 2-3 weeks after percutaneous surgery.