Resectoscope using diathermy to resect prostates, 'System 80' with 70 degree viewing angle, by Thackray, England

A resectoscope is a long thin instrument with a camera, known as an endoscope used and is used during surgeries of the uterus, prostate, bladder, or urethra. Tissue is removed using heat or diathermy, which can undergo tests and analysis.

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.