|
Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy is a minimally invasive means of treating a stone in the ureter or kidney by using a laser to break the stone into many tiny pieces. In the GLLC, the procedure is performed under anesthesia, which optimizes patient comfort and quick recovery after the procedure.
Indications
- Ureteral stones
- Kidney stones
- Previous incomplete fragmentation of stone
- Inability to pass a small ureteral stone
Procedure
The patient lies on a procedure table, and conscious sedation is administered. A cystoscope is then placed into the bladder, and a small tube inserted into the opening of the ureter. An x-ray is then taken while contrast is injected into the tube in order to pinpoint the location of the stone in the ureter. The ureteroscope (a small telescope like device) is then inserted into the ureter and a laser fiber used to break the stone into many tiny pieces. A temporary ureteral stent is often placed to help the kidney drain properly, and the procedure is then finished.
Advantages
- Minimally invasive therapy for kidney or ureteral stones
- Shortened recovery
- Shock wave lithotripsy still an option if procedure not successful
- Excellent success rates and low complications
Side Effects
Most patients will experience some slight burning with urination or pass a small amount of blood following ureteroscopy. In many cases, a ureteral stent is placed following ureteroscopy, and there may be a sense of needing to urinate even after the bladder is emptied, which is due to the stent irritating the bladder. This irritation can usually be addressed with medication, but on occasion patients are unable to tolerate the stent. It is important to remember that the ureteral stent is not permanent and must be removed or changed in the future.
|
