Kidney stones have a tendency to pass on their own. However, in some cases, stones get stuck in the ureter. Under such conditions, your physician may decide on performing surgery to remove large (specifically painful) kidney stones responsible for causing an obstruction of urine flow. Surgery is needed to remove stones that cause bleeding or infection.
Dr. Shirin Razdan, ranked among the leading specialists, is a board-certified urologist specializing in giving relief to men and women suffering from kidney and ureteral stones. She has successfully removed large kidney and ureteral stones by performing ureteroscopy and lithotripsy procedures.
What is Ureteroscopy?
Ureteroscopy is performed by a urologist to visualize the ureter (a tube that connects the kidney to the urinary bladder). Urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder through the ureter.
Ureteroscopy is typically performed using a small instrument the size of the tip of a pen, called the ‘ureteroscope’, which is then passed through the urethra into the urinary bladder, up the ureter, and into the kidney. The instrument allows the urologist visualize a ureteral or kidney stone on the digital screen; thereafter, the stones are either broken or dissolved using a holmium laser or removed using a stone basket.
The surgeon may place a ureteral stent after the ureteroscopy, which may take a minimum of 1-2 weeks for removal post-surgery (ureteroscopy). However, in some extreme cases, the stent is kept for a longer time.
When is ureteroscopy used?
Ureteroscopy is the most commonly prescribed treatment for the removal of stones from the ureter, especially for stones closest to the bladder (lower half of the ureter). Kidney stones are treated with shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). The procedure is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women are suggested to opt for ureteroscopy. It is also an ideal choice for morbidly obese people and individuals with blood clotting disorders. Very large or oddly shaped stones or hard stones are best treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy, or, in rare cases, open surgery may be needed.
What should I expect after this procedure?
After ureteroscopy, a slight burning sensation while urinating is felt, which is normal and will subside within a few hours. Blood in the urine is also observed for up to 3 days. Like every procedure, ureterosopy also has risks. These may include ureteral injury, infections of the urinary tract, bleeding, and abdominal pain. Doctors still recommend this procedure because the benefits outweigh the risks the patient endures. Advancements in medical science has resulted in the evolution of ureteroscopy over the last 20 years. The procedure has been proven to be very safe and effective in removing stones from the urinary tract.
Ureteroscopy is an outpatient procedure, which means the patient is allowed to return home after completion. However, the exact time period within which the discharge takes place depends on the level of complications the patient experiences.
If you suspect kidney stones, schedule an appointment for prompt diagnosis and treatment without delay. Get in touch with Dr. Shirin Razdan and our medical team to find out more about kidney stones and potential treatment options.