Ureteroscopy is an examination of the upper urinary tract, usually performed with a ureteroscope that is passed through the urethra and the bladder, and then directly into the ureter.
[1] The procedure is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders such as kidney stones and urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract.
[citation needed] The examination may be performed with either a flexible, semi-rigid or rigid device while the patient is under anesthesia.
[1] In specific cases, the patient is free to go home after the examination.
[2] In pyeloscopy, the endoscope is designed to reach all the way to the renal pelvis (also called pyelum), thereby allowing visualisation of the entire drainage system of the kidney.