Chapter 3 – Instruments

The instruments used for the ureteroscopic approach of upper urinary tract conditions are in a continuous evolution. The first ureteroscopes were too large in diameter, their use being restricted to a small number of patients. Moreover, the methods for stone fragmentation or extraction, as well as for tissue resection/fulguration, were limited. Subsequently, the instruments evolved and the technique improved, the ureteroscopes allowing the use of an increasing number of accessory instruments, in the conditions of a decreasing diameter. The development of rigid and flexible ureteroscopes with increasingly smaller dimensions determined the diversification of transurethral upper urinary tract endoscopy.