WHAT IS URETEROSCOPY (URS)?

The ureter is the tube running between the kidney and the urinary bladder. Ureteroscopy is a medical procedure used to remove kidney stones from the lower portion of the ureter.

REASON FOR THE PROCEDURE

Ureteroscopy is used if treatment by ESWL was unsuccessful, or you were not able to utilize that treatment due to the size or position of the stone, or due to other medical conditions.

THE PROCEDURE

Ureteroscopy is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Your Esse Health Urologist places a flexible telescope (ureteroscope) through the urethra, then the bladder, to the ureter, as far as the kidney to locate the obstruction. Once the stone is found, the ureteroscope has a small basket at the end to scoop it up and remove it from the body. If the stone is too large, the ureteroscope can fragment the stone and remove it in pieces. Occasionally, a stent may be placed in the ureter to assist with urine flow.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS, RISKS, AND COMPLICATIONS

There is a possible risk of injury to the ureter or urinary infection. After the procedure, there may be some blood present in the urine.