Ureteroscopy for Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys and can cause pain, nausea, and difficulty urinating as they pass through the urinary tract.
Ureteroscopy is a medical procedure used to treat kidney stones. During this procedure, a doctor called a urologist passes a small telescope called a ureteroscope through the urethra and bladder until it reaches the kidney stone. The ureteroscope contains a laser fiber that breaks the stone into smaller fragments. This procedure is most effective for removing smaller kidney stones.
The goals of performing ureteroscopy are to:
- Find the cause of urine blockage in a ureter
- Evaluate other problems inside the ureters or kidneys
- See and treat problems such as urine blockage
- Remove stones from the ureter or kidney
- Treat abnormal tissue and tumors
- Take samples of ureter or kidney tissue for biopsy
Preparing for the procedure:
- To prepare for a cystoscopy or ureteroscopy, your urologist will ask about your medical history and may request a urine sample to test for a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you have a UTI, you may need to take antibiotics before the procedure.
- Your urologist will also ask about any medications you are taking and discuss anesthesia options with you. They will provide instructions on what to do before the procedure, including when to stop certain medicines, when to stop eating and drinking, and whether you need to empty your bladder before the procedure.
Description of the procedure:
- During the ureteroscopy procedure, the doctor inserts either a cystoscope or a thinner and longer instrument called a ureteroscope through the urethra to visualize the lining of the urinary tract.
- Once the stone is located, the doctor can remove it or break it into smaller pieces using laser technology. This procedure is usually performed in a hospital setting with anesthesia. In some cases, it may be done on an outpatient basis, allowing you to go home on the same day.
Post procedure:
- After the person wakes up from anesthesia, they will be monitored for at least 1 hour to ensure their comfort and stability before being discharged. The doctor will provide care instructions and pain medications.
- It may take a few weeks for all of the stone fragments to pass through the urinary tract, and it is common to see blood in the urine for several days after the procedure. Pain in the back and flank area is also normal but can be managed with pain medications. Mild bruising on the skin where shock waves entered may occur.
- Recovery time varies from person to person, but some individuals may be able to return to work within 12 days of the procedure. However, full recovery may take longer for some people. It's important to follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider regarding activity restrictions and follow-up appointments.
Complications:
- Complications from ureteroscopy can include infection, fever, leftover stone fragments, ureteral stricture (narrowing), or injury.
- If you experience severe pain that is not relieved by prescribed pain medications, persistent bleeding in urine, inability to urinate, fever above 101°F (38°C), or signs of infection such as chills or vomiting after your procedure, it's important to contact your doctor right away.
Remember that this information is meant as an overview and does not replace personalized medical advice from your healthcare provider. If you have any questions or concerns about ureteroscopy or any other medical procedures, be sure to ask your doctor for guidance tailored specifically to your situation.