SMALL-CALIBER URETEROSCOPES IN CLINICAL U SE

During the last few years, small caliber instruments with fiberoptic i maging bundles have been introduced. We report our early experience wi th these instruments (6.0, 7.2, 8.5 F). Data of 61 consecutive procedu res were analyzed retrospectively. Analysis included the rate of compl ications, type of anesthesia and success rate of the procedure. 41 % o f the ureteroscopies were carried out under sedoanalgesia. Perforation of the ureteral wall was observed in 2 patients (3.2 %). In9/61 proce dures, use of a ureteroscope with a larger diameter became necessary t o complete the treatment. The rate of ureteral perforations observed i n this series is lower than reported in series in which ureteroscopes with a larger diameter were used. Small caliber instruments should the refore be preferred in clinical use.