What is ureteroscopy?

In ureteroscopy, the doctor inserts a thin, flexible scope into the bladder and ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder). Using this procedure, the doctor can look for kidney stones or other signs of possible problems.

 

Why ureteroscopy?

A ureteroscopy is usually performed when a person has a kidney stone in their ureter. Kidney stones are pebble-like bodies made of minerals and salts in urine. They form in the kidney but may migrate to the ureter. If a polyp, tumor, or abnormal tissue is suspected in a part of a person's urinary tract, a urologist (a doctor specializing in urinary tract diseases) may prescribe a ureteroscopy. The doctor can also use a ureteroscopy to remove a stone, polyp, or piece of tissue (sampling).

If your doctor suspects you may have a urinary tract infection or a related problem, he may order other tests. Some of them are:

• Urine test to detect possible infection
• CT scan to detect kidney stones and identify its size and location
• MRI to create detailed images of the kidneys, bladder and other internal organs

 

Who needs ureteroscopy?

If urinary tract problems, such as urinary obstruction, are not diagnosed, ureteroscopy can help identify the problem.

When you go to the doctor because it hurts and you don't go as often as you should, you may or may not need this procedure. It depends on your symptoms and other tests.

Doctors sometimes use ureteroscopy as part of stone crushing forTreatment of kidney stonesuse. This method is most useful in the following people:

• pregnant women
• People who are overweight
• People with blood clotting problems

 

Benefits and risks of ureteroscopy

Urethroscopy is an effective method for performing several operations. For example, it allows the urologist to:

• Have a clear view of the urinary system
• Remove or break rocks
• Remove suspicious tissues

 

Ureteroscopy is an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home after the procedure. One of the possible complications of ureteroscopy is the possibility of bleeding or damage to the ureter. As with most medical procedures, there is a small chance of infection.

After ureteroscopy, you may feel some pain when urinating. If the ureter becomes swollen, it may be difficult to urinate for a while. During a ureteroscopy, you will be under general anesthesia. This means that the operation is performed while you are unconscious. As with any procedure that uses drugs and gas for anesthesia, there is a small chance of developing other problems.

 

How to prepare for ureteroscopy

There is not much you need to do to prepare for a ureteroscopy. You must urinate before doing this. The doctor or nurse will tell you when.

You should also receive instructions about how long you need to stop taking certain medications, drinking, and eating before the procedure. This is especially important if you are taking blood thinners to reduce your risk of blood clots.

 

How to perform ureteroscopy

Once the anesthesia starts to take effect and you fall asleep, the urologist will insert a ureteroscope into the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).

Once the ureteroscope is in the bladder, the doctor injects a sterile solution through the tip of the scope. This solution fills the bladder so its walls can be seen more clearly. Then he slowly guides the scope into the ureter. If there is concern about the kidney, the scope can be advanced to the end of the organ.

Observation of the urinary tract may take 30 minutes. If the operation is performed to remove or destroy the stone or to take a sample, it may take longer. A type of ureteroscopy that uses a laser to break up small kidney stones may take about 90 minutes. The type of laser used in the ureteroscope is called "Holmium laser".

 

After ureteroscopy

After removing the ureteroscope and emptying the bladder fluid, recovery will take place when the anesthesia wears off. Recovery may take 1 to 4 hours. Sometimes a stent (a small tube for support) is left in place, but most of the time a stent is not used.

You will probably be asked to drink 16 ounces of water every hour for the next 2 hours. During the next 24 hours, you may see some blood in your urine and have some pain. After that you should not have much pain and discomfort.

In case of infection, painkillers and antibiotics may be prescribed. You may also need to take a warm shower or place a warm, wet cloth over the opening of the urethra to relieve pain. Tell your doctor if you have severe pain, chills, or fever. These symptoms can mean an infection. If a sample of tissue has been taken for sampling, you may have to wait a few days for the lab results to be ready.