Complications of ureteroscopy

Ureteroscopy has undergone a dramatic evolution over the last two decades. Although ureteroscopic injury is the most common cause of ureteral trauma because of the large number of ureteroscopic procedures performed, improvements in instrumentation and technique have resulted in a reduced incidence of serious complications. Despite significant technologic advances, however, surgical misadventures still occur, some of which have lasting consequences. Careful attention to instrument selection and surgical technique are critical to reduce untoward events related to ureteroscopy. As such, adverse sequelae associated with ureteroscopy should be related to the underlying pathology itself rather than to the treatment.