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The term endourology was introduced in clinical practice many years ago by eminent and dedicated urologists who developed different endoscopic techniques to perform urological surgeries. Soon, endourological techniques such as ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy and transurethral resection of the prostate became the gold standard treatment options for different urological conditions. Currently, the continuous innovation of new techniques and instruments, such as small-sized and flexible scopes, has led to rapid expansion in the field of endourology. The utilization of laser technology resulted in the introduction of newer techniques that increased the safety and efficacy of endourological surgeries.
In this special issue of the Arab Journal of Urology, several experimental and clinical research are presented to uncover the utilization of these instruments and technological advancements in modern day endourology. Among them, the stone ablation rates of different settings and pulse modulations of holmium laser were tested in experimental studies. The clinical studies focused on simplified approach for percutaneous renal access, standardization of the outcomes of flexible ureteroscopy, feasibility of upper pole access in supine position, and safety of ureteroscopy in octogenarians. Comparison of different techniques for anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate and two laser lithotripsy settings were also conducted through randomized controlled trials.
We hope you enjoy this special endourology issue which covers a breath of experimental and clinical studies and has come from all over the world.
