endourologie

Endourology is a surgical subspecialty of urology that focuses on the minimally invasive diagnosis and management of diseases of the urinary tract using endoscopes inserted through natural openings or small percutaneous tracts. The field emerged with the development of the cystoscope and expanded through advances in ureteroscopy, flexible endoscopes, imaging, and laser technology, enabling procedures that avoid open surgery.

Core procedures include cystoscopy for evaluation and treatment of the bladder and urethra, ureteroscopy for the ureter and renal pelvis often with laser lithotripsy or stone extraction, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for large or complex kidney stones. Endoscopic management also covers transurethral procedures such as resection or ablation of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia, transurethral resection or ablation of bladder tumors, and endoscopic techniques to relieve obstruction and treat ureteral or bladder outlet issues. Ureteral and bladder strictures may be treated with dilation, incision, or stenting via endoscopic approaches.

Equipment and techniques commonly used in endourology include rigid and flexible cystoscopes and ureteroscopes, fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance, lasers (notably Holmium:YAG and Thulium), pneumatic or ultrasonic lithotripsy, and various graspers and baskets. These methods typically offer reduced recovery times and shorter hospital stays compared with open surgery, while maintaining high success rates for appropriately selected cases. Training in endourology is pursued by urologists through residency and often specialized fellowships, with practice centered in dedicated endourology units and clinics.