Ureteric stones, those troublesome mineral formations that can cause excruciating pain and discomfort, often demand intervention when they become too large or stubborn to pass naturally. To treat them, one can undergo Ureteroscopy, commonly referred to as URS, is a highly effective and minimally invasive surgical procedure that offers relief to individuals grappling with these unwelcome intruders in their urinary tract.

In this blog, we will delve into understanding the ideal candidates, advantages, procedure, and recovery for URS. To make this blog enriching, we have gathered insights from Dr. Niren Rao, known as the best urologist offering the most competitive price for ureteric stone surgery cost in Delhi. You can get in touch with him if you want to get rid of  ureteral or kidney stones.

Ideal Candidates for Ureteroscopy or URS 

Not all ureteric stones necessitate surgical intervention. Small stones can often be managed with medication and ample water intake. URS becomes essential when:

1. Stone Size: The stone measures more than 8mm in diameter, making it challenging to pass naturally or with conservative treatment.
2. Ineffective Medical Therapy: Previous attempts at medical therapy have proven ineffective in removing the stone.
3. Hydronephrosis: The stone causes significant swelling (hydronephrosis) in the kidney, which could potentially lead to renal failure if left untreated.
4. Severe Pain: A deeply impacted stone induces severe pain, requiring multiple oral and injectable analgesics for relief.
5. Infection and Fever: Ureteric stones can lead to infection and pus formation, resulting in high-grade fever and flank pain.
6. Hematuria: The stone causes substantial bleeding in the urine (hematuria), necessitating intervention to address the underlying issue.

Advantages of Undergoing Ureteroscopy or URS

URS offers several notable advantages, making it a preferred choice for patients and urologists alike:

1. Minimally Invasive: URS is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed using a long, thin endoscope known as a ureteroscope. This means less cutting and reduced trauma to the body.
2. Less Postoperative Pain: Patients often experience less post-operative pain compared to traditional open surgery.
3. Short Stay or Daycare: URS can typically be performed as a short-stay or daycare procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day in many cases.
4. Reduced Bleeding: Laser technology is often employed during URS to fragment the stone, resulting in minimal bleeding.

Ureteroscopy Procedure

During URS, the following steps are typically followed:

1. Anesthesia: The procedure can be performed under spinal or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's condition.
2. Patient Positioning: Patients are placed in lithotomy positions with their legs supported.
3. Ureteroscope Insertion: A long, thin ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder and guided into the ureter with radiological assistance.
4. Stone Fragmentation: The stone is visualized and broken into smaller fragments using laser technology, with special forceps for removal.
5. DJ Stent Placement: A double J (DJ) stent is placed from the bladder into the kidney to reduce kidney swelling and prevent blockage by small stone fragments.

Recovery After Discharge

Most patients experience an uneventful recovery after URS, with some common observations:

• Pinkish urine for the first few days, which gradually clears.
• Mild burning sensation and increased urgency and frequency of urination.
• Mild discomfort in the back after urination is due to the presence of the stent.

If you are experiencing ureteric stones and in search of the finest urologist in Delhi, consider consulting with Dr. Niren Rao at Delhi Urology Hospital for expert care and treatment.

Conclusion

URS offers a highly effective and minimally invasive solution for ureteric stones, providing relief to patients suffering from pain and discomfort. Proper preparation, meticulous execution, and post-operative care contribute to a successful and smooth recovery. By choosing an experienced and skilled urologist like Dr. Niren Rao, patients can trust in the procedure's safety and effectiveness, leading to a renewed sense of well-being. Consult now for more details!