Stone removal surgeries - ureteral stones, kidney stones

In which cases are ureteral and renal stone removal using ureterorenoscopy (URS) necessary?

Stones lodged in the ureter, renal pelvis, or renal calyces, can cause severe pain (renal colic) and obstruct the normal flow of urine from the kidney, leading to urinary retention, which can cause significant kidney damage and increase the risk of urinary tract infections. This in turn can lead to serious, febrile conditions and even life-threatening blood poisoning.

Ureterorenoscopy (URS) is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the urinary tract to be viewed directly without incisions, allowing the position, size and shape of the stone to be accurately assessed. During the procedure, the stones are pulverized or removed using special instruments, such as a stone basket or laser. Breaking kidney stones up is necessary if the stones are too large to pass naturally. Smaller stone fragments may remain after the procedure, but these will pass naturally within a few days.

What preliminary tests are required?

Before ureteroscopy for stone removal, in addition to a urological examination, a laboratory examination and an anesthesiology consultation are required.

How should the patient prepare for the intervention?

The intervention does not require any special preparation on the part of the patient.

How is ureteral and kidney stone removal performed with a ureterorenoscope?

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia (sedation) or spinal anesthesia. During the operation, an optical inspection device (ureterorenoscope) is introduced through the urethra into the bladder, then into the ureter, and if necessary, up to the renal pelvis and calyces. Upon reaching the bladder, the ureteral orifice on the affected side is dilated with stiffening wires so that the device can be safely inserted. During the procedure, the process is sometimes monitored using an x-ray. For this, a contrast agent is injected into the ureter and renal pelvis, so that the urinary tract becomes visible and pathological changes, such as stones, can be accurately identified. Any larger stones found are broken up with a laser, and the smaller pieces are removed using dedicated surgical instruments. Smaller stones can also be removed without breaking the stone. After the procedure, it may be necessary to insert a urinary catheter and/or bladder catheter to ensure the flow and drainage of urine.

ADVANTAGES OF ENDOSCOPIC STONE REMOVAL

Endoscopic procedures are less invasive because they do not require an abdominal incision. Patients recover faster and have less pain. There is also a lower risk of bleeding and complications, making them safer for older patients or those with chronic conditions.

However, for larger stones, endoscopic surgery can be significantly more time-consuming, which increases the risk of complications. Due to the long surgical time, anesthesia can also be a greater burden for the patient. In such cases, open surgical stone removal may be a simpler and more effective solution.

ADVANTAGES OF LASER STONE REMOVAL SURGERY

• Greater precision – the laser leaves less debris, making removal more effective and reducing the chance of stone recurrence.
• Lower risk of infection – shorter catheterization time reduces the risk of urinary tract complications.

What should the patient do after endoscopic ureteral/kidney stone removal?

The hospital stay after the procedure is usually 1 day. The catheter inserted during the surgery is removed the day after the surgery. After the procedure, it is important to drink the recommended volume of fluids – 2-3 liters per day. Rest is important on the day of the procedure, and activity can be gradually increased in the following days, but strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects should be avoided. The catheter (MJ, DJ) left in place can cause irritation for a few days, which can be treated well with medication.

What are the risks of the procedure?

In the first few days after the procedure, urination may be painful due to irritation of the bladder and urethra, and there may be traces of blood in the urine, as well as a more frequent urge to urinate.

Injuries, inflammatory complications, allergic symptoms, hospital infections, and deep vein thrombosis may also occur, but the chances of these are minimal if the appropriate protocols are followed.

Fees for ureterorenoscopic surgery for ureteral and renal stone removal 

You can find our current fees under our prices menu.

WHY CHOOSE DR. ROSE PRIVATE HOSPTAL? 

• Highly trained specialists, modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
• Empathetic, people-centered approach. Our specialists always keep the comfort and safety of our patients in mind.
• Premium inpatient department. Available to our patients are 3 operating theaters and 24 patient rooms with 33 beds to meet all needs. The highest professional standards are combined with an exclusive environment that aids recovery in safety and with complete peace of mind.
• Fast and predictable appointments. We provide an appointment for the necessary intervention within 1-2 weeks of the first specialist consultation.

For all your urological complaints, please contact the doctors at Dr. Rose Private Hospital with confidence.