Background: The Hopkins rod-lens nephroscope has been the standard in percutaneous renal surgery. Despite its high resolution, it is bulky when an external camera and light source are attached. Therefore, new technology to make the scopes lighter and more ergonomic is needed.
New technology: The new Invisio Smith digital nephroscope is the first digital nephroscope from Gyrus ACMI. It was used for the first time in two patients with caliceal stones. The tip houses dual LED-driven light carriers and a 1-mm digital camera, which obviate the need for an external light source and camera, thus eliminating the risk of drape fires and patient burns. The Smith nephroscope is much lighter (470 g vs. 939 g) and more ergonomic when compared to the standard rod-lens nephroscope.
Conclusions: The Smith digital nephroscope is much lighter, more ergonomic and safer. Long term use is needed to test its durability.