Urethroscopy

For URS will receive general anesthesia, spinal or intravenous. After being anesthetized, the doctor inserts the endoscope into the bladder through the urethra without any incision in your body. Depending on the location of the stone, a rigid or flexible ureteroscope flexiblerígido or using a flexible ureteroscope allows the physician to reach virtually any point within the kidney (Fig. 2).

When the calculation is identified, can be removed using a special «basket». If the stone is too large to completely remove, can be fragmented by laser, ultrasound, or a pneumatic lithotriptor (which functions as a small pneumatic hammer). Thus all stone fragments are removed.

Depending on the outcome of the operation, the doctor may need to place a double J stent in the ureter for urine to flow through the urinary system (Fig. 1). The catheter was removed when urine flow returns to normal. This can last from several days to several weeks.

When should I consider URS?

If your calculation is not large (usually less than 2 inches), the URS is an alternative to SWL. While URS is more invasive than SWL and requires anesthesia, is a safe and effective option for treating renal and ureteral calculi. As the stone fragments are removed during the procedure, you do not have to remove them later. You have many possibilities to have no more stones after a single operation. Your doctor will discuss the differences between SWL and URS in their individual situation.

When is the URS recommended?

There are few contraindications to URS. Usually it can be practiced in almost all patients if their state allows anesthesia and does not have an untreated urinary tract infection. URS can also be performed without interrupting the anticoagulant medication. However, it is always important to discuss your individual situation with your doctor.

How do I prepare for the procedure?

Your doctor will inform you in detail about how to prepare for the operation. You should not eat, drink or smoke in the 6-8 hours before the procedure to prepare for anesthesia.

How long will I return to my normal daily activities?

Normally you can leave the hospital two days after the procedure and return to normal daily activities. Your urine may contain some blood for a couple of days. If a double-J stent was placed during the procedure, your doctor will remove it when your urine flow returns to normal.

You have to return to the hospital immediately if:

• A fever
• The pain in the kidney or side