Ureteroscopy for Stone

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Ureteroscopy is an endoscopic procedure that is carried out to view the inside of the ureter. Ureteroscope is the instrument used for the procedure. This is a very fine instrument that is made of either a semi-rigid long steel shaft or it maybe flexible.

The procedure is usually done to eliminate a stone either in the ureter or in the kidney by a surgeon called Urologist.

The flexible instrument is usually used for kidney stones that are located in the lower portion of the kidney. The rigid instrument is used to remove stones or other obstructing pathologies from the ureter.

Sometimes the instrument is also used to find the cause of bleeding that is difficult to diagnose using the conventional tests.

Instruments and accessories for ureteroscopy have improved over the years. Ureteroscopes have become thinner in diameter with better fibre-optics that provides excellent view of the inside of the organ. The ureter is a very delicate thin tubular structure that connects the kidneys to the bladder and requires gentle handling. It is about 25 cms or twelve inches in length.

Before the advent of ureteroscopes, the surgeons usually had to do an open operation that left the patient with a five to six inches scar and a long recovery time of a week or 10 days. With ureteroscopy the patient is able to return home either on the same day or in a day or two. The procedure is usually done under general or spinal anesthesia.