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Ureteric access with flexible ureteroscopes: effect of the size of the ureteroscope
OBJECTIVE To determine the optimum size of a flexible ureteroscope (FU) to minimize the need for ureteric dilatation. MATERIALS AND METHODS FUs from several different manufacturers and with different shaft diameters were used for ureteroscopy in adults. An initial attempt was made to pass one of the...
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Published in: | BJU international 2005-05, Vol.95 (7), p.1043-1044 |
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Main Authors: | , , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Subjects: | |
Citations: | Items that this one cites Items that cite this one |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | OBJECTIVE
To determine the optimum size of a flexible ureteroscope (FU) to minimize the need for ureteric dilatation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
FUs from several different manufacturers and with different shaft diameters were used for ureteroscopy in adults. An initial attempt was made to pass one of the larger diameter FUs; if this was unsuccessful, the smaller 7.5 F FU was used. The results were reviewed retrospectively.
RESULTS
Flexible ureteroscopy was used in 115 consecutive patients at two different institutions. The ability to pass the FUs with no formal dilatation was directly related to the FU diameter. The rate of failing to pass with no formal dilatation was 37% for the 9.0 F, 8.5% for the 8.6 F, 5% for the 8.4 F and 0.9% for the 7.4 F ureteroscope.
CONCLUSION
Although other factors influence the overall effectiveness of the FU, the ability to pass FUs is directly related to their outer diameter. When only the ease of introduction is considered, the ideal ureteroscope outer diameter is 7.4 F. |
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ISSN: | 1464-4096 1464-410X |
DOI: | 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2005.05462.x |