Ureteric or Ureteral stones are the kidney stones that get stuck in one or both ureters. The ureters are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The stones could travel from kidney and may get stuck into the ureter blocking the urine flow.

Though some stones might be tiny and get passed through the urine, when the stones are large enough, they can cause the blockage of the flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder. This blockage can lead to severe pain and cause infection, vomiting and nausea in severe conditions. Long standing obstruction of the kidney can lead to deterioration of kidney function irreversibly.

There are various treatment options to treat these stones. One of the popular and common treatments of Ureteric stones is with laser through complete endoscopic procedure.

The Procedure

The procedure is similar to the procedure to remove kidney or bladder stone. It is performed under general or regional anaesthesia. Specific instructions on medications and diet before the date of the procedure are instructed to the patient.

During the surgery, the surgeon passes a small instrument with a telescope known as ureteroscope, through the urethra and into the urinary bladder to the ureter. When the stone is located, it is fragmented into smaller pieces using a laser fiber. These pieces are then extracted out through the urethra.

In most cases, to ensure proper drainage, a urinary catheter (stent) is placed after the surgery for some days.

After removing the stones, they are sent to the lab for investigation to know about their exact composition. Based on the results, doctor will recommend treatment to prevent future stones formation. This may include changes in the diet or taking supplements or medications.

Recovering from the Surgery

The doctor will prescribe medications after surgery to prevent infection, pain, inflammation and other symptoms. The patient may experience stent related minor symptoms, for which medications are usually prescribed.

The patient can resume their normal activities as soon as they feel comfortable and most of them resume their work the next day itself.

Advantages of Laser Treatment for Ureteric Stone Removal

• Involves no cut and hence no scarring
• Faster healing and recovery
• Practically no complications
• Reduces chances of infection
• Reduces chances of blood loss
• Early discharge
• Happy and painless post operative course