Ureteroscopy involves the use of a small flexible or rigid device called a ureteroscope to directly see and treat stones. The ureteroscope device, which provides a video image and has small “working” channels, is inserted into the bladder and up the ureter until the stone is encountered. The stone can then either be broken up with a laser fiber or pulled out using small baskets that are inserted into the working channels. The advantage of this type of surgery is that the body’s normal openings are used and no incisions are necessary. A photo of a flexible ureteroscope and a video of ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy is shown below.
Flexible ureteroscope treating a stone in a kidney
Ureteroscopy often a good option for small stones in the ureter or kidney. Its success rate at clearing these types of stones is generally higher than that for shockwave lithotripsy. Compared with shockwave lithotripsy however, it may associated with increased discomfort after surgery, especially when a stent is required. Ureteroscopy also does not always work as well with very large stones, as the small size of the instrument makes it difficult to completely treat and remove such stones. In these cases a percutaneous approach may be preferable. For more information on comparing the surgical options for kidney stones, see our comparison chart.
Fast facts about ureteroscopy:
- Typical operative time: 1 hour
- Usual hospital stay: Usually none, ureteroscopy is outpatient surgery
- Average number of days before going back to work: 8.5 days
- Average number of days before feeling back to normal: 15.6 days
Data regarding return to work and recovery from a study by Pearle and colleagues, Journal of Urology, 2005.
Photo of a ureteroscope next to a pen
Video of flexible ureteroscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy in a patient with multiple large uric acid stones.
Im a 26 yr old male going in for pre-op and surgery today. Im very nervous but with the amount of pain im already in, I cant wait to get it over with either. I have had stones before and passed up to a 6mm stone. At the moment one of my stones is as big as 10mm. Im wondering how much pain will I be in during the recovery/back to work period?
I had the uteroscopy done about 3 days ago and a stint put in. I am still seeing blood in my urine is that normal?
It is normal to see some blood in the urine while a stent is in place.
I noticed that the data from the chart is from 2005, would the recovery time still hold true today? Has there been any advancements that would help speed recovery time? I had shockwave lithotripsy done last month, last week they attempted the Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy. They were unable to complete this. They informed me that the stone was to big and they couldn’t get around it, to block off the ureter. Now in a few weeks they will be attempting Ureteroscopy. They’ve said there will be at least 2 seperate Ureteroscopy surgerys. Do you know how long they have to wait in between? I have a 19.7mm stone, thats ruining my life! Is Ureteroscopy successful in such large stones?
Hello,
I have a 4mm kidney stone that is still in my Kidney. Would this procedure be a good choice for that size? I am 25 years old with a big work schedule and I just want the thing gone.
Ureteroscopy has the highest success rate at removing small stones such as the 4mm one you describe. However, the recovery period with ureteroscopy tends to be longer than with shockwave lithotripsy. You can look at all the tradeoffs between these options further in our chart. A small stone can also be observed if it is not causing symptoms. Always talk to your local urologist to help make the best decision for you.