Ureteroscopy
A Journey Through the Urinary Tract
Explore with precision: your guide to understanding ureteroscopy
Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat issues within the urinary tract, including the ureters (the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder) and the kidneys. This thin, flexible tube is inserted through the urethra and bladder to access the ureters and kidney. This procedure is commonly used while your asleep (anesthesia) to address kidney stones and other urinary tract concerns.
-Jonathan Hu. MD
SVU
Why is ureteroscopy performed?
Common reasons include:
- Kidney stones: Removing or breaking stones into smaller pieces.
- Strictures: Identifying and addressing urinary blockages.
- Biopsy: Collecting tissue samples for further evaluation.
The Procedure
Performed under general anesthesia, ureteroscopy is typically outpatient (can go home from the operating room the same day). The ureteroscope provides real-time imaging, enabling precise treatment.
- For stone management, techniques like laser lithotripsy may be employed to fragment stones.
- For biopsies, graspers may be utilized to obtain tissue.
Risks
Most patients recover within a few days. Risks include:
- Temporary discomfort
- Minor bleeding
- Increased urination may occur
Infection
Ureteral injury, which are rare
- Ureteral Stent discomfort
Outpatient Procedure
Home same day
Visualization
Diagnostic and therapeutic
Accurate
The standard for the upper tract evaluation
Who Should Undergo Ureteroscopy?
Ureteroscopy may be recommended for individuals who experience:
- Kidney or ureteral stones
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Ureteral or kidney abnormalities (tumors or strictures)
- Unexplained hematuria
Before the Procedure
- Patients may be asked to provide a urine sample.
- The procedure requires anesthesia and you may need clearance from you primary care physician or cardiologist.
During the Procedure
- Ureteroscope may be accessed with an access sheath or over a wire that is placed into your upper tract.
- High pressure saline solution is used to hydrodistend the ureter and kidney.
- The procedure usually takes about 30 - 60 minutes.
After the Procedure
- Generally due to the manipulation of the upper tract a ureteral stent is placed.
- Patients go home the same day.
- Bleeding, urgency, frequency, discomfort is common after the procedure.
F.A.Q.
Most patients experience only minor discomfort. If dilation is performed or if a ureteral stent is placed this may be uncomfortable. Typically 1 in 3 patients will not tolerate a ureteral stent
Recovery is typically quick, with most patients resuming normal activities within 2-4 hours.
No. Due to the necessity for anesthesia please follow the instructions that are given to you. There is a concern for aspiration of the food or beverage in your stomach.
If you are on a semiglutide please let your team know as this can cause delayed emptying
Some results are immediate, while others, like biopsy results, may take several days.