Introduction
Ureteroscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used in the treatment of kidney stones and ureteric stones. This is performed under a general anaesthetic usually as a day case.
What Is A Ureteroscopy?
A ureteroscopy procedure is where a small telescope is placed via the urethra into the bladder and then up into the ureter and kidney if necessary. The stone is seen directly, often broken up with a laser and the fragments removed with a basket. A JJ stent is usually inserted at the end of the operation to stop the kidney becoming blocked by swelling of the ureter tube, blood or stone fragments.
What Is Lasertripsy?
Lasertripsy is the fragmentation of stones using holmium laser.
Who Is Ureteroscopy Suitable For?
A ureteroscopy is suitable for people with any kind of stone in the ureter and small stones (usually less than 1.5cm) in the kidney.
How Long Does A Ureteroscopy Procedure Take?
A ureteroscopy procedure usually takes 45 minutes to an hour and patients can go home the same evening
Are You Put To Sleep For Ureteroscopy?
Yes, a ureteroscopy is performed under general anaesthesia
What To Expect From Your Ureteroscopy Procedure?
The steps of a ureteroscopy are as follows:
- A small telescope is placed via the urethra into the bladder and then up into the ureter and kidney if necessary.
- The stone is visualised directly.
- The stone is broken up with a laser and the fragments removed with a basket.
- A JJ stent is usually inserted at the end of the operation to stop the kidney becoming blocked by swelling of the ureter tube, blood or stone fragments.
How Long Is Recovery From A Ureteroscopy?
A ureteroscopy has a fast recovery and patients can often return to routine activities the next day.
The Advantages Of Ureteroscopy
- The advantages of ureteroscopy are that it is:
- Minimally invasive, it involves no incisions and early return to work
- Less bleeding
- Less pain
What Are The Risks Of Ureteroscopy?
The risks of a ureteroscopy are:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Failure to clear stones
- Bladder and ureteric injury
Ureteroscopy vs Cystoscopy: What’s The Difference?
A cystoscopy is a procedure purely to visualise the bladder and is usually the first part of a ureteroscopy whereas a ureteroscopy is used for visualizing the ureter and the kidney and breaking down stones.
Click here for ureteroscopy patient information from the British Association of Urological Surgeons.
