A ureterorenoscope is a narrow fiber optic instrument that can be passed through the urinary opening to allow the surgeon to view and extract stones located in the kidneys and ureters when extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is ineffective. Once the stone has been located, the surgeon can grasp it with tiny tweezers and remove it or fragment the stone using a lithotripsy device or laser.

Ureteroscopy provides patients with a safe and effective way to remove kidney stones (depending on the size and location) in the ureters and kidneys, and also provides a way to obtain tissue samples for biopsy and provides a way to remove scar tissue that may be obstructing the ureter. A laser can be inserted through the telescope and used to break up stones, cut scar tissue or cauterize areas of bleeding or tumor. Small instruments including baskets and graspers can be passed to remove tissue or stones.