• The urologist inserts the thin ureteroscope towards the urethra in the upward direction.
• The ureteroscope delivers shock waves of specific strength to the stone if necessary.
• Once the urologist identifies the stone inside the urinary system, it is broken up and removed.
• It is typically an outpatient procedure performed in the operating room under general or spinal anaesthesia

How to prepare for a Ureteroscopy?

• Refrain from taking any solid food about 8 to 12 hrs before the surgery as advised
• You may drink water only and any routine medications up to 4 hours before your surgery.
• Your doctor will perform a general assessment before the surgery
• Report to your doctor any medical conditions that you may have
• Keep the doctor informed about any medications that you may be taking
• Before the surgery, you may need to undergo laboratory tests and X-rays to make sure you are fit for the procedure

What should I expect during the procedure?

• After making sure that you are under anaesthesia, you will be positioned as per ease of accessibility for surgery.
• Your urologist will examine the inside of the bladder using a thin tube called the ureteroscope
• The ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra and is equipped with a light and a lens for viewing the internal structures
• An X-ray of the ureters is taken to outline the urethra and stone location. We may inject
• A contrast dye is injected to differentiate any abnormal areas in the imaging
• Then the urologist ascends the ureteroscope through the urethra, into the bladder, up the ureter, and into the kidney to reach the location of the stones
• A small wire basket is passed through the middle of the ureteroscope to get hold of and remove the stone.
• If the stone is too big to be removed, it is broken up by delivering laser or shock waves through a fibre inserted through the ureteroscope.
• The time taken for the procedure varies based on the number of stones present but usually takes 1-2 hours.

What should I expect after the procedure?

• In some people, a temporary, internal, plastic tube called a stent is placed within the ureter.
• This is done to ensure that the swelling does not cause urinary blockage
• The stent is removed about 1 to 2 weeks after ureteroscopy with a minor procedure
• Sometimes a thread is attached to the end of the stent and taped to your skin
• This allows you to remove your stent at home about 3-5 days following the procedure.
• Your urine may be bloody for several days after the procedure
• You may be prescribed medications for pain relief as well as to relax the ureter
• You must avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for several days after the procedure
• You must take it easy until the urologist removes the stent.
• Do not drive for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
• Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
• Begin eating slowly- start with liquids, and then progress to the addition of solid foods as tolerated.
• You may experience nausea and/or vomiting during the recovery phase for a few days
• You will need a follow-up visit with your urologist within 1-2 weeks so your urologist can remove it if it was placed without a thread.
• The follow-up will be within 4-6 weeks after surgery if your urologist did not require a stent or you removed it on your own after discharge
• During the follow-up, an X-ray will be taken to determine the procedure’s efficacy and to rule out the chances of any complications.

How successful is Ureteroscopy? 

Ureteroscopy is a procedure that is used to determine the presence of urinary tract stones. It is a minimally invasive procedure done to treat stones located in the ureter and kidney. It is performed by experts in the surgery room under general anaesthesia and is an outpatient procedure for which you can go home the same day. The expert urologist inserts a thin fiberoptic ureteroscope into the natural urinary channel, and after the identification of the stone, it can be fragmented and removed. Many are not good candidates for ureteroscopy, including:

• Patients with large stone
• Patients with large stone sizes are not good candidates for ureteroscopy because the procedure requires active removal of all or most stones. Treating very large stones can disrupt complete removal, making it impossible.
• Patients having a history of urinary tract reconstruction
• Patients who have undergone ureteral or bladder reconstruction are not the right candidates to get a ureteroscopy, as their condition may not allow for the passage of a ureteroscopy.

What ureteroscopy Is?

Ureteroscopy is done for stones that cannot be passed and are lodged in the ureter, a tube connecting the kidney and the bladder. Ureteroscopy is used during the procedure, which is a narrow, flexible instrument that allows geologists to move towards the ureter to see the stone, remove it, and see it again. Ureteroscopy is a safe procedure, and there is a rare risk of ureteral injury or scarring. The success rates of ureteroscopy depend on many factors, like the location, size, and number of stones. However, the rate is between 50 and 90 percent. It is best to ask your surgeon and discuss the success rates that will be determined according to his evaluation. Your doctor may recommend a ureteroscopy if a person experiences severe pain while urinating or is diagnosed with a urine blockage. The procedure is usually performed to determine and treat problems in your urinary tract. Handa Nursing Home is among the best clinics in Delhi that provide advanced treatment in Urology, cardiology, respiratory diseases, etc. The clinic is equipped with updated and advanced technology and provides advanced management options for expert treatment of urinary tract problems. If you think you might be a candidate for ureteroscopy, then contact the board-certified urologists at Handa Nursing Home in West Delhi. Specialists here will perform various tests to diagnose stones and provide the right treatment you need.

What are the advantages of ureteroscopy?

• Ureteroscopy can treat stones located at any position all along the ureter and kidney.
• This procedure is useful in treating stones that cannot be seen on an x-ray.
• Patients who cannot be treated with other procedures such as ESWL or PERC, women who are pregnant, and morbidly obese individuals can be treated by ureteroscopy.
• Ureteroscopy helps to confirm the diagnosis of urinary stones
• Give the urologist a direct assessment of the location of the stone
• It is a simpler procedure done on an outpatient basis that is diagnostic as well as therapeutic

FAQ

Q. What should I avoid after ureteroscopy?

After ureteroscopy, it’s advisable to:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out any stone fragments.
• Avoid Strenuous Activities: Limit vigorous physical activities to prevent strain on the urinary tract.
• Follow Medication Instructions:
• Take prescribed medications, including pain relievers and antibiotics, as directed.
• Attend Follow-up Appointments:
• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.

Q. How many days rest required after ureteroscopy?

The required rest period after ureteroscopy varies, but patients are generally advised to take it easy for a few days. Strenuous activities should be avoided during this time to allow the body to recover.

Q. What do I need to know before ureteroscopy?

Before ureteroscopy, it’s important to be aware of:

• Procedure Details: Understand the purpose, risks, and benefits of the ureteroscopy procedure.
• Preparation Instructions: Follow any preoperative instructions provided by your healthcare provider, such as fasting or bowel preparation.
• Potential Risks: Be informed about potential complications, such as bleeding or infection.
• Postoperative Care: Know what to expect during the recovery period and any restrictions on activities.

Q. What are the benefits of ureteroscopy?

Ureteroscopy offers several benefits, including:

• Minimally Invasive: Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, usually performed without incisions.
• Stone Removal: The procedure allows for the removal of kidney or ureteral stones.
• Diagnostic Capability: Ureteroscopy provides a direct view of the urinary tract, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions.
• Short Recovery Time:Compared to traditional open surgery, ureteroscopy often involves a shorter recovery time.

Understanding these aspects can help you prepare for ureteroscopy and contribute to a smoother recovery.