Chief: Raju Thomas, M.D. 

This subspecialty not only includes traditional cystoscopic procedures, such as resection of the prostate (TURP) and bladder tumors, but also endoscopy of the ureters and kidney. Endourology at Tulane:

Endoscopes are used to view the entire urinary system for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

The recent addition of smaller caliber flexible and rigid ureteroscopes and nephroscopes has significantly increased our diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, including the management of complex cases of kidney stones and urinary tract obstructions.

The introduction of laparoscopes added a new dimension whereby key-hole surgery was introduced into the realm of urology thereby enhancing the urologist's ability to perform complex procedures such as pelvic lymphadenectomy for prostate cancer, removal of kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder suspensions for urinary incontinance, etc.

A variety of urologic paraphenalia such as portable lithotripters and lasers have further improved techniques, moving the Tulane Urology Department to the forefront of the urologic endoscopic revolution.

The endourology and laparoscopy section boasts one of the larger series of urological laparoscopy in the United States, the largest series of ureteroscopic retrograde endopyelotomy for management of UPJ (uretereo-pelvic junction) obstruction, and one of the largest single urologist's series in percutaneous lithotripsy.

Radical perineal prostatectomy in conjunction with laparoscopy is employed as a low morbidity and low complication alternative for management of prostate cancer.