Ureteroscopy For Kidney Stones: How does it work?

Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive endoscopic technique performed commonly for the diagnosis and management of kidney stones. This is an internal procedure that uses a slender and flexible tube called the ureteroscope to be passed through the urethra and the bladder, directly into the ureter of the kidney. It allows urologists to find and treat kidney stones without requiring any external incisions that are expected from normal surgeries.

The procedure is normally done with the patient under anesthesia. When the urologist gets to the site of the kidney stone using the ureteroscope, they use specialized devices to either extract the stone or shatter it with the use of laser or mechanical energy. In this blog, we will explore ureteroscopy for kidney stones and how the entire process works to bring you relief.

What Happens in a Ureteroscopy? A Simple Explanation

If you have a kidney stone that is causing severe pain, your doctor might recommend a ureteroscopy to remove it safely. Here is a straightforward look at what happens during this procedure:

• Preparation: Before the procedure, you will meet with your doctor to discuss your health and any medications you are taking. You might need to stop certain medications and avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the surgery.
• Anesthesia: On the day of the procedure, you will receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable. This could be general anesthesia where you are completely asleep or local anesthesia numbing the area.
• Inserting the Ureteroscope: The doctor uses a small and flexible tube called a ureteroscope. This tool has a tiny camera and light on the end, allowing the doctor to see inside your urinary system.
• Navigating to the Stone: The ureteroscope is gently inserted through your urethra, into your bladder, and then up into the ureter which is the tube connecting your kidney to your bladder.
• Locating and Assessing the Stone: Once the ureteroscope reaches the area with the kidney stone, the doctor can see it clearly on the camera. The doctor checks the size and position of the stone to decide the best way to remove it.
• Removing or Breaking Up the Stone: If the stone is small enough, the doctor can gently pull it out using tiny tools passed through the ureteroscope. If the stone is too large to remove in one piece, the doctor will use a special laser to break it into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces can then pass out of your body naturally through your urine.
• Stenting: In some cases, the doctor might place a small tube called a stent in your ureter. This helps keep the tube open and ensures urine can flow freely while your body heals. Knowing if a DJ stent is necessary depends on your specific swelling, and it is usually removed a few days after the procedure.
• Recovery and Follow Up: After the procedure, you might feel some discomfort such as a burning sensation when you pee or mild pain in your side. These symptoms usually go away within a few days. Your doctor will schedule a follow up appointment to check on your healing and ensure there are no remaining stone fragments.

Why Choose Ureteroscopy?

• Minimally Invasive: Ureteroscopy does not require large cuts, so recovery time is usually much quicker compared to more invasive open surgeries.
• Highly Effective: It is a reliable way to remove stones that are too big to pass on their own or are stubbornly stuck in the urinary tract.
• Quick Procedure: The entire process typically takes less than an hour, and many people go home the very same day.

What is the Difference Between FANS RIRS and Ureteroscopy?

When evaluating URS vs RIRS for removing kidney stones, both are minimally invasive procedures, but they differ in their scope, technique, and the specific areas they target. Here is a simple comparison to help understand the distinctions:

• Target Area: Ureteroscopy focuses on treating stones located in the ureter or the lower part of the kidney. FANS RIRS specifically targets stones located deep within the kidney, especially in harder to reach areas.
• Procedure Approach: Ureteroscopy involves inserting a small tube with a camera into the ureter to pull out the stone or break it into smaller pieces. FANS RIRS uses a flexible ureteroscope designed to navigate all the way into the complex structure of the kidney. During FANS RIRS, a laser breaks the stones while an advanced suction mechanism vacuums out the dust instantly.
• Stone Size and Location: Ureteroscopy is best for medium to small stones in the ureter or lower kidney. FANS RIRS is ideal for larger stones or those in challenging locations within the kidney.
• Recovery and Post Procedure: Ureteroscopy discomfort is usually mild since it involves areas closer to the bladder. FANS RIRS recovery is also incredibly fast, and because the suction feature removes all stone fragments, patients avoid the pain of passing residual dust completely. While standard RIRS is occasionally used, FANS RIRS provides superior outcomes for complex stones.

The choice between FANS RIRS and ureteroscopy depends on the size, location, and complexity of your kidney stones. Your urologist will recommend the best procedure based on your specific condition, ensuring the most effective and comfortable treatment.

Choose the Right Treatment with Cure Stone

Kidney stones can bring your life to a painful halt, but you do not have to endure the suffering for long. At Cure Stone, we are deeply committed to providing tailored and permanent solutions for complete kidney stone removal. Led by Dr. Deepanshu Gupta, our world class urological team utilizes the absolute latest advancements in medical technology to accurately diagnose and treat your stones. Whether your condition calls for a standard ureteroscopy or our revolutionary FANS RIRS procedure, Dr. Gupta will expertly guide you toward the safest and least invasive option available. Our state of the art facility is designed entirely around your comfort and rapid recovery, ensuring you can return to your active lifestyle without delay. Trust the compassionate experts at Cure Stone to clear your kidneys and protect your urinary health. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a totally pain free future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will I be awake during a ureteroscopy?

No, ureteroscopy is typically performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. You will be completely comfortable and will not feel any pain or be awake during the surgery itself.

How long does it take to recover from a ureteroscopy?

Because there are no external incisions, recovery is incredibly fast. Most patients can go home the same day and return to their normal light activities within two to three days.

Can ureteroscopy treat multiple stones at once?

Yes. If you have multiple stones trapped in the same ureter, the surgeon can easily laser and remove all of them during a single ureteroscopy session.

Is it normal to see blood in my urine after a ureteroscopy?

Yes, it is completely normal to notice a pinkish tint or small amounts of blood in your urine for a few days after the procedure. This is caused by minor irritation in the urinary tract and will clear up as you drink plenty of water.