Flexible ureteroscopy and laser surgery 

A minimally invasive solution for kidney stones

Flexible ureteroscopy and laser surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat kidney stones and other issues in the urinary tract.

During this procedure, the doctor uses a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera, called a ureteroscope. This tube is inserted through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) and into the bladder, then advanced up into the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder). This allows the doctor to see inside the urinary tract.

If kidney stones are present, a laser is used to break them down into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces can then either be removed or passed naturally in the urine.

Since this procedure involves no incisions, recovery is usually quicker, and many patients can go home the same day. The surgery is performed under anaesthesia, ensuring that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.

For individuals struggling with kidney stones or urinary tract issues, flexible ureteroscopy and laser surgery offers an effective and efficient treatment option.

Who is a Candidate?

Patients with kidney or ureter stones that cannot pass spontaneously or are causing pain, infection, or obstruction.

Common indications include:

• Stones in the ureter or kidney
• Failed shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) or contraindications to SWL
• Stones in patients with anatomical variations or complex stone locations
• Obstruction or infection secondary to stones.

Recovery Timeline

This is likely to vary with provider.

• Hospital stay: Usually day-case or overnight.
• Initial recovery:
  
  • Mild flank pain or burning on urination for a few days.
  • Small ureteric stent often left in place for 1–2 weeks to aid healing and drainage.
• Return to light activities: 1–2 days for minimally invasive cases.
• Full recovery: 1–2 weeks, depending on stent presence and stone burden.

Benefits

• Minimally invasive - access via urethra, bladder, and ureter; no external incision
• Effective stone clearance, including stones in difficult locations (e.g. lower pole kidney)
• Can be combined with laser lithotripsy to fragment stones for easy removal
• Short hospital stay and rapid recovery
• Suitable for patients on anticoagulation or those unfit for open surgery.

Risks

• Ureteric injury or perforation (rare, may require stent or repair)
• Infection - risk increases if obstructed/infected urine present
• Bleeding (usually minor)
• Ureteric stricture (rare long-term complication)
• Incomplete stone clearance - may need repeat procedure
• Stent-related discomfort: urinary frequency, urgency, or pain until stent is removed.

Flexible ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy is a highly effective, minimally invasive procedure for treating ureteral and renal stones, allowing rapid recovery and minimal scarring, but it may require temporary stenting and careful postoperative monitoring for infection or ureteric injury.

This is just an outline. Your specialist urology surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.