Cytoscope with simple operating channel for diathermy

Cytoscope with simple operating channel for diathermy for treating small bladder tumours, 'System 80' with 30 degree viewing angle, by Thackray, England

A cystoscope is used to look inside a person’s bladder. This is inserted into the urethra, which carries urine outside the body, and into the bladder. Sometimes instruments can be passed down the scope to treat any problems. As this is a rigid cystoscope, a person would have local anaesthetic or a general anaesthetic. Diathermy is the use of heat to remove tissues, which can later be analysed as well as to seal blood vessels.

This instrument was owned by Mr John Wickham (1927-2017), who specialised in urology and was one of the first cohort in the United Kingdom to carry out and champion keyhole surgery for its patient and surgeon benefits. He coined the phrase minimally invasive surgery and set up the Society of Minimally Invasive Therapy in 1989. Since 2000, SMIT is the Society for Medical Innovation and Technology and continues to bring together surgeons, medics, engineers and medical device developers. John was also among the first to used robotic assisted surgery in his work and introduced shock wave therapy for kidney stones to the United Kingdom.