Ureteroscopy
(Treatment for kidney and ureteric stones)
Ureteroscopy
(Treatment for kidney and ureteric stones)
Ureteroscopy and laser fragmentation is a minimally invasive procedure primarily used to treat kidney stones, especially those located in the ureter or kidney.
Procedure Details
Insertion of Ureteroscope:
- A thin, flexible tube called a ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra and bladder into the ureter.
- This allows the urologist to directly visualize the stone.
Laser Energy Delivery:
- Once the stone is located, laser energy is delivered via a small fiber passed through the ureteroscope.
- The laser is used to fragment the stone into smaller pieces.
Fragment Management:
These fragments can either:
- Be left to pass naturally through the urinary tract.
- Be removed using special tools.
Success Rate
Ureteroscopy and laser fragmentation is a highly effective treatment, with a success rate of over 90%, making it a preferred option for managing urinary stones that cannot be expelled naturally or through less invasive methods.
Advantages
- Precision: The precision of the laser minimizes damage to surrounding tissues, making the procedure safer and more effective than traditional surgical methods.
- Outpatient Procedure: Ureteroscopy with laser fragmentation is often performed on an outpatient basis under general or regional anesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort for patients.
- Accessibility: It is particularly advantageous for stones that are not easily accessible or are resistant to other treatments, such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).
Recovery and Considerations
- Recovery Time: The recovery time is relatively short, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days.
- Post-Procedure Symptoms: Some discomfort may occur, including:
- Mild bleeding
- Cramping
- Urinary urgency
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