New techniques on the horizon

Abstract

Practical relevance:Interventional radiology and interventional endoscopy (IR/IE) uses contemporary imaging modalities, such as fluoroscopy and endoscopy, to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in various body parts. The majority of IR/IE procedures currently undertaken in veterinary medicine pertain to the urinary tract, and this subspecialty has been termed ‘endourology’. This technology treats diseases of the renal pelvis, ureter(s), bladder and urethra. In human medicine, endourology has overtaken traditional open urologic surgery in the past 20–30 years, and in veterinary medicine similar progress is occurring.Aim:This article presents a brief overview of some of the more common IR/IE procedures currently being performed for the treatment of urinary tract disease in veterinary patients. These techniques include percutaneous nephrolithotomy for lithotripsy of problematic nephrolithiasis, mesenchymal stem cell therapy for chronic kidney disease, sclerotherapy for the treatment of idiopathic r...