Surgical Tech Practice Exam

What device fits over the hollow sheath of the cystourethroscope to resect prostate tissue?

1. Resectoscope

2. Pneumoperitoneum needle

3. Resection scissors

4. Endoscopic stapler

The correct answer is: Resectoscope

The correct answer is the resectoscope. This device is essential in urological procedures, particularly for resecting prostate tissue during a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The resectoscope is designed to fit over the hollow sheath of a cystourethroscope, allowing the surgeon to visualize the surgical area and simultaneously perform tissue removal using an electrosurgical loop or other instruments. This choice is appropriate because the resectoscope provides the necessary functionality for both visualizing and cutting tissue, which is crucial during the resection process. The use of a resectoscope allows for effective removal of enlarged prostate tissue through a minimally invasive approach, reducing recovery time and associated complications compared to traditional surgical methods. The other devices mentioned—such as the pneumoperitoneum needle—are not used for resecting prostate tissue; rather, they serve different surgical purposes, such as establishing a gas insufflation during laparoscopic procedures. Similarly, resection scissors may be used in various contexts but are not specifically designed to fit with a cystourethroscope for prostate tissue resection. An endoscopic stapler is typically employed for different types of procedures where tissue approximation is needed rather than for directly resecting prostate tissue.