Endoscopic treatment of renal pelvic and ureteral tumors - Its indications and limitations

In this paper, we discuss the clinical significance of endoscopic treatment of renal pelvic tumors and ureteral tumors, with special consideration of its indications and its limitations. In addition, we also discuss the technical aspects and the future aspects of endoscopic treatment. We analyze the 18 clinical cases who were treated in the 6 institutes enrolled in this study and review the Japanese and foreign literature. Endoscopic treatment was thought to be appropriate for cases with solitary, small (less than 10 mm) and histologically low-grade lesions. Cases with a solitary kidney or bilateral lesion can also be considered for this treatment. However, further development of the equipment, including the endoscope, is essential for the enhancement of the indications for endoscopic treatment. Moreover, the precise selection of patients is necessary for this kidney-sparing treatment, and this is another important aspect for consideration.