Ureteroscopy and laser of stones

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Ureteroscopy and Laser of Stones

A stone visible on x-ray or CT scan that is suitable for removal by ureteroscopy.

Ureteroscopy and laser of stones is an incision-free operation to remove or break up a stone from the ureter by passing a small telescope up the ureter (tube from the kidney to the bladder). Usually, a laser is used to shatter a stone but on occasion a stone can be removed in one piece with a basket.

Before your operation

The operation and outcomes will be explained to you by your Urologist. When you feel comfortable that you understand what is to be done and have had all your questions answered you will be asked to sign a consent form.

Blood test / Urine test

A blood test will need to be performed and a urine sample may need to be taken 4-5 days prior to surgery. Your surgeon will give you a form to take to the laboratory to have these tests done.

X-Ray

An x-ray may be ordered preoperatively to check the location of the stone.

Operation day

The surgeon passes a small instrument called a ureteroscope through the urethra (water pipe) and bladder into the ureter (tube from the kidney). This is done with the assistance of x-ray screening.

The surgeon then locates the stone and either removes it with a wire basket or shatters it with a laser. A stent (tube) may be left in the ureter for a few days to help the urine and any stone fragments to flow out. Strings may be left on the stent to allow you to pull this out.

Recovery

Expect to go home the same day as your operation. If you have a catheter in your bladder, this will be removed before you leave.

Expected symptoms

After surgery you may or may not experience the following symptoms

Blood

It is common to have blood in the urine. When you get home you should drink twice as much as you would normally to flush your system through and minimise any bleeding.

Pain

Small blood clots or stone fragments may travel from your kidney resulting in renal colic. Renal colic may present as intense pain in the side of your abdomen (tummy) which may spread down into the lower abdomen or groin.

You may experience pain in the kidney over the first 24-72 hours due to the swelling caused by insertion of the instrument or by the presence of a stent.