Surgical Tech Practice Exam

Which item is commonly used for placing catheters and stents during ureteral surgery?

1. Introducer sheath

2. Guidewires

3. Hemostatic clips

4. Endoscopic basket

The correct answer is: Guidewires

The use of guidewires is crucial in ureteral surgery for placing catheters and stents. Guidewires provide a framework to navigate through the urinary tract, allowing surgeons to position catheters precisely within the ureters. They are typically introduced first and assist in guiding other instruments, ensuring proper placement while minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissues. This technique enhances both safety and efficacy during ureteral procedures. Introducer sheaths are also important in urology but have a different function, as they facilitate the passage of instruments into the urinary tract rather than guiding catheters directly. Hemostatic clips are used to control bleeding during surgery, while endoscopic baskets are primarily utilized for retrieving stones or tissue rather than for catheter or stent placement. Thus, guidewires are indeed the preferred choice in this context, as they specifically aid in the safe and accurate placement of catheters and stents in ureteral surgery.