Kidney stones in the ureter or kidney can cause significant pain and, if left untreated, can damage kidney function. Ureteroscopy allows your surgeon to pass a thin camera directly into the urinary tract, without any cuts, to precisely locate and treat stones or suspicious tissue using laser energy. It is a safe and highly effective day-procedure option for most patients.
TREATMENTS
Ureteroscopy and Laser Treatment
When Is Ureteroscopy Recommended?
Not all stones pass on their own, and some require intervention.
Ureteroscopy may be recommended when:
A ureteric stone has not passed after 4–6 weeks of observation, or is unlikely to pass (eg. > 5 mm stones or those in the upper ureter)
Pain, nausea or vomiting persist despite medical therapy
There are multiple stones in the kidney
A biopsy of a suspicious lesion within the ureter or renal pelvis is required
Surgical Approaches
Semi-rigid ureteroscopy: Used for stones in the lower ureter — a thin, straight instrument is passed to reach and fragment the stone.
Flexible ureteroscopy: A flexible camera navigates the full length of the ureter and into the kidney, allowing treatment of stones in any location.
Holmium or thulium laser lithotripsy: Laser energy fragments stones into small, sand-like particles.
Ureteric access sheath: A temporary sheath that allows constant drainage of fluid from the kidney when a longer procedure in the kidney is expected.
Flexible and Navigable Suction (FANS) sheath: A newer sheath design that adds suction — like a vacuum — to remove debris, stone dust and blood, achieving higher stone clearance and lower post-operative pain and infection.
Ureteroscopic biopsy: Tissue samples from the ureter or renal pelvis can be taken under direct vision to assess for urothelial cancer or other abnormalities.
Risks and Considerations
All procedures carry risks, which your surgeon will discuss with you in detail. These may include:
Stent symptoms — urgency, frequency, a flank ache when passing urine and visible blood, are common until the stent is removed, and may need testing to ensure no infection
Urinary infection or fever
A small risk of injury to the ureter
Large stone loads may need planned further procedures
Recovery at a glance: Usually a day procedure; mild burning and pink urine for a few days is expected especially if ureteric stent is still required.
1
Pre-Operative Planning
An ultrasound or CT scan maps the size and location of stones or lesions, and checks kidney and ureter anatomy before the procedure.
2
Endoscopic Access
The ureteroscope is passed through the urethra and bladder to reach the stone, with the help of soft guidewires and X-ray guidance. An access sheath may be used when treating multiple or larger stones in the kidney.
3
Laser Fragmentation
Stones are precisely broken down using laser energy, and fragments are removed, suctioned, or left to pass naturally. Suspicious tissue can be biopsied at the same time. A temporary ureteric stent may be placed.
4
Outcome Monitoring
Post-operative imaging confirms stone clearance, and stent removal (if placed) is arranged.
Our Approach
