Which instrument is used to facilitate kidney stone removal during lithotripsy?

The nephroscope is specifically designed for procedures involving the kidney, including the removal of kidney stones during lithotripsy. Lithotripsy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses shock waves or laser energy to break down kidney stones into smaller pieces that can be more easily passed. The nephroscope provides direct visualization of the renal pelvis and calyces, allowing the surgeon to effectively target the stone and perform the necessary interventions, such as fragmentation or extraction.

While cystoscopes and ureteroscopes are also used in urology, they are tailored for different applications. The cystoscope is primarily used for examining the bladder and urethra, whereas the ureteroscope is designed to access and treat stones located in the ureters. An endoscope, in a general sense, refers to any instrument with a camera and light for internal examination but does not specifically denote the specialized use required for kidney stone procedures.

The nephroscope’s unique features, such as its ability to provide a high level of magnification and precision within the kidney, make it the instrument of choice for facilitating kidney stone removal during lithotripsy.