Ureteroscopy

Definition

Ureteroscopy uses a small lighted viewing scope to examine the ureters. Ureters are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. This procedure can help diagnose and treat problems in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones.

Alternative Names

Ureteral stone surgery; Kidney stone - ureteroscopy; Ureteral stone removal - ureteroscopy; Calculi - ureteroscopy

Description

Ureteroscopy is performed with a ureteroscope. This is a small tube (rigid or flexible) with a tiny light and camera on the end.

The next steps are described below.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

During the procedure, your surgeon (urologist) may:

Risks

Risks for surgery and anesthesia in general are:

Risks for this procedure include:

Before the Procedure

Tell your surgeon what medicines you are taking, including ones you bought without a prescription. Also tell your surgeon if you are pregnant or think you may be.

Arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure.

Follow instructions about how to prepare for the procedure. These may include:

After the Procedure

You will wake up in a recovery room. You can go home once you are awake and can urinate.

At home, follow any instructions you're given. These may include the following:

You will likely feel better in about 5 to 7 days. If you have a stent, it may take longer to feel like yourself again.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Treating kidney stones using ureteroscopy usually has a good outcome.

References

Chew BH, Harriman DI. Ureteroscopic instrumentation. In: Smith JA Jr, Howards SS, Preminger GM, Dmochowski RR, eds. Hinman's Atlas of Urologic Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 40.

Duty BD, Conlin MJ. Principles of urologic endoscopy. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 13.


Review Date: 7/1/2023
Reviewed By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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