Operative nephroscopy.

Abstract

Renal endoscopy has been made possible, practical and safe by technical advances in instrumentation. Operative nephroscopy has become a uniquely valuable adjunct to stone operations, especially for caliceal calculi, but does not permit the surgeon to dispense with operative x-rays. Furthermore, it has extended our horizons in the management of intrarenal hematuria and of low grade tumors of the renal collecting system. We suggest that the rigid right-angled nephroscope in use today be referred to as the Leadbetter nephroscope in recognition of that pioneer's original conception for its design.