The Right Instrument for the Right Purpose: Spreading the Use of Small Caliber Ureteroscope for the Inspection of the Male and Female Urethra
Abstract
The inspection of the urethra in patients with documented or suspected urethral stricture should be carried out with
small caliber ureteroscope of 6/7.5Ch. Different from flexible cystoscope (16Ch) or resectoscope (26Ch), small caliber
ureteroscope allows a comprehensive evaluation of the stricture, including its length and the status of the mucosa in
its proximity, without injuring or overstretching the urethra. With a small caliber ureteroscope it is also possible to
cross the stricture, allowing the evaluation of the proximal urethra, the external urethral sphincter, and the bladder.
A 6/7.5Ch ureteroscope also allows estimation of the real caliber of the stricture, providing a useful landmark for
further treatment decisions.
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