Endourological

Endourological is an adjective relating to endourology, a surgical specialty of urology focused on minimally invasive management of the urinary tract using endoscopic and percutaneous techniques. Endourological practice relies on vision through natural or minimally created tracts to diagnose and treat disease of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Common endourological procedures include cystoscopy to inspect the bladder and urethra; ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy or basket retrieval for ureteral or kidney stones; percutaneous nephrolithotomy for large renal stones; transurethral procedures such as TURP or laser enucleation for prostatic obstruction; and management of ureteral strictures, bladder tumors, and renal malignancies. Flexible endoscopes allow access to the upper urinary tract, while percutaneous approaches provide direct renal access for certain stones and lesions. Imaging guidance and specialized equipment enable precise hemostasis, stone fragmentation, and tissue sampling.

Endourology emerged in the late 20th century with advances in fiberoptic endoscopy, stone fragmentation devices, and laser technology, expanding the ability to treat many urinary tract conditions through minimally invasive means. The field has grown with improvements in optics, irrigation, and imaging, as well as the development of small-caliber instruments that permit faster recovery and fewer complications compared with open surgery.

Training in endourology is typically part of urology residency, with increasing use of dedicated fellowships or subspecialty training in endourology and minimally invasive techniques. Surgeons perform a range of procedures in the operating room and ambulatory settings, often in collaboration with radiology and anesthesiology teams. Outcomes emphasize safety, stone-free rates, and functional preservation.

Endourology remains a rapidly evolving field, driven by advances in laser technology, robotics, and imaging, and it encompasses both diagnostic endoscopy and therapeutic interventions for urinary tract disease.