A ureteroscope is a thin, flexible medical instrument used to examine and treat conditions affecting the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. It is inserted through the urinary tract and allows doctors to visualize the inside of the ureters and kidneys, helping to diagnose issues such as stones, tumors, or strictures. During a procedure called ureteroscopy, the ureteroscope can also be used to remove kidney stones or take biopsies. This minimally invasive technique typically requires only local or general anesthesia and can often be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing for quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.