Ureteroscopy: anesthetic considerations

Abstract

Ureterorenoscopy (URS) is a vital procedure in the armamentarium of the modern-day urologist for the management of ureteral and renal pathology. With advances in ureteroscopic design and the introduction of short-acting anesthetics, URS can now be performed efficiently with high patient satisfaction and minimal posteroperative recovery time. Recently, URS under local anesthesia, with or without sedation, has become a viable option for a high percentage of correctly selected patients. For those patients who then require deeper sedation or general anesthesia, anesthesia can be induced quickly with the new agents such as remifentanil, propofol, and desflurane, without a prolonged postoperative recovery period.