Polyscope: a new era in flexible ureterorenoscopy.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Despite improvements in instrumentation and technology in flexible ureteroscopy, the issue of procedural and off-procedural damage remains a problem. The aim of our study was to highlight our initial experience in flexible ureteroscopy using polyscope, a new advancement in the era of flexible ureterorenoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we used an 8F modular flexible, steerable polyscope for diagnostic purposes and Dormia basket removal for small renal stones. Three outer disposable catheters were used with proper sterilization in 22 cases. RESULTS: The polyscope was used in six cases of undiagnosed hematuria, and biopsy was taken from pelvic growth in one patient, which turned out to be transitional-cell carcinoma. Polyscope was used for removal of residual stones or small stones (< 1 cm) using Dormia basket in 16 cases (from August 2008 to July 2009). The mean stone size was 7.5 mm. The vision achieved was excellent in all the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive techniques are preferred for treatment of renal stones. The problem of lower caliceal stone access has been solved with the primary and secondary deflection of modern flexible ureteroscopes. The modular design of polyscope makes it a more cost-effective option. Relatively cheap and disposable multilumen catheters preclude the need for sterilization of optic cable, thus decreasing the chances of handling-related damages. The chance of instrument-related infection is minimal. Besides, it can be used as a semirigid ureteroscope should the need arises.