Ureteroscopy

About Ureteroscopy

Ureteroscopy is an endoscopic procedure in which a thin telescope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter and sometimes up into the kidney, without any incision. It is one of the most common treatments for kidney and ureteral stones. Once a stone is seen it can be removed whole with a small basket or broken into fragments or dust with a laser, most commonly a holmium laser, with newer thulium fiber lasers also in use. Semi rigid ureteroscopes are used for the lower ureter, while flexible ureteroscopes can reach stones inside the kidney. Ureteroscopy is also used to examine and biopsy suspected tumors of the upper urinary tract and to treat narrowings of the ureter. A temporary stent is sometimes left in the ureter afterward to allow drainage. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia as a day case. Alternatives for stone treatment include shock wave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, with the choice depending on stone size, location and composition.