External urinary diversion: pathologic circumstances and available technology

A wide variety of uropathologic circumstances may necessitate intervention. All urologic interventions depend on two simple rules for success. The first is visualization (via direct-vision endoscopy or videovision endoscopy, usually in combination with external imaging via fluroscopy), as failure to visualize the area of pathology properly may compromise or doom the procedure. The second is adequate access to the urinary tract via the endoscope, which is ensured by wire, catheter, or other appropriate access device. Failure of proper access dooms interventional urologic, uroradiologic, and endourologic procedures to failure.