Resectoscope

Resectoscope

PRIMARY CLINICAL & DIAGNOSTIC USES

1. Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

• Primary Use: Provides a combined visualization and resection system for transurethral resection of the prostate, the classic surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The resectoscope allows the surgeon to visualize the prostate and resect obstructive tissue using a wire loop with electrosurgical current.

• How it helps: For the urologist, the resectoscope provides the means to remove obstructive prostate tissue through the urethra—eliminating the need for open surgery, reducing hospital stay, and allowing rapid return to normal activities. For the aging man whose quality of life is diminished by frequent urination, weak stream, and nighttime awakening, TURP offers durable relief and return to normal voiding function.

2. Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor

• Primary Use: Used for transurethral resection of bladder tumors, the standard procedure for the diagnosis, staging, and therapeutic resection of bladder tumors. The resectoscope enables complete visualization of the bladder and precise resection of tumor tissue.

• How it helps: For the urologic oncologist, the resectoscope allows simultaneous visualization and resection of bladder tumors—cutting away abnormal tissue while cauterizing the base, providing tissue for pathological staging, and treating the disease in a single procedure. For the patient with bladder cancer, TURBT offers both diagnosis and initial treatment through a minimally invasive approach, with rapid recovery and preservation of bladder function.

3. Transurethral Incision of the Prostate

• Primary Use: Used for transurethral incision of the prostate, a less invasive alternative to TURP for patients with smaller prostates. The resectoscope creates incisions in the prostate to relieve obstruction while preserving more tissue.

• How it helps: For the urologist managing patients with moderate prostatic obstruction, TUIP provides effective relief with fewer side effects and shorter recovery than traditional TURP. For the patient, this means less risk of retrograde ejaculation and faster return to normal activities.

4. Endometrial Resection and Ablation

• Primary Use: Used in gynecology for transcervical resection of the endometrium and submucous fibroids. The resectoscope provides visualization and resection capability for treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding and fibroids.

• How it helps: For the gynecologist, the resectoscope offers a minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy for treatment of menorrhagia and submucous fibroids—preserving the uterus and allowing rapid recovery. For the patient with heavy menstrual bleeding, endometrial resection provides relief while avoiding major surgery and preserving fertility when appropriate.

5. Urethral Stricture Incision

• Primary Use: Used for direct visualization and incision of urethral strictures using a cold knife or laser through the resectoscope. This minimally invasive approach treats urethral narrowing without open surgery.

• How it helps: For the urologist, resectoscopic stricture incision offers a minimally invasive treatment for urethral strictures—restoring urinary flow without the morbidity of open urethroplasty. For the patient, this means rapid recovery and preservation of erectile function.

SECONDARY & SUPPORTIVE USES

1. Bladder Neck Incision: Incision of bladder neck contracture following prostate surgery.

2. Ureteral Meatotomy: Incision of stenotic ureteral meatus.

3. Prostatic Stent Placement: Placement of temporary or permanent stents under direct visualization.

4. Laser Prostate Surgery: Resectoscope compatible with laser fibers for holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.

5. Bipolar Resection: Modern resectoscopes with bipolar technology for safer resection with normal saline irrigation.

6. Office-Based Procedures: Smaller resectoscopes for office-based diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.