Ureteroscopy

What this procedure is

Ureteroscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of your urinary tract. Your clinician uses a tool called a ureteroscope, which is a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light on the end. This device allows them to see detailed images of the kidneys and the ureters, which are the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder.

This procedure is considered minimally invasive because it does not require any surgical cuts or incisions. Instead, the clinician gently passes the scope through the urethra (the tube where urine leaves the body) and into the bladder to reach the area that needs treatment. Most patients are given anesthesia so they are asleep and comfortable during the process.

What it treats or fixes

The most common reason for this procedure is to find and remove kidney stones. Depending on the size of the stone, your clinician may use different methods to clear it:

• Stone removal: If a stone is small enough, the clinician may use a tiny basket-like tool to grab and remove it entirely.
• Laser treatment: For larger stones, a laser fiber may be used to break the stone into smaller pieces that are easier to pass or remove.

Beyond treating stones, ureteroscopy can help clinicians find the cause of a blockage or investigate suspicious areas in the lining of the urinary tract. In some cases, your clinician may also use it to look for or treat small growths, such as polyps or tumors, in the ureter or kidney.

How common it is & where it's done

Ureteroscopy is a very common and routine procedure for managing urinary tract issues. It is typically performed by a urologist, a doctor who specializes in the urinary system. Because it is a specialized procedure, it is usually done in a hospital operating room or an outpatient surgery center.

Most people can go home the same day the procedure is performed. Because there are no external stitches or incisions to heal, the recovery process is often faster than traditional surgery. Your clinician may place a temporary stent (a small, soft tube) in the ureter to help urine flow and reduce swelling while you recover at home.

Recovery: What to Expect

Most people are able to go home the same day as their procedure. You may feel some mild soreness in your bladder area or a frequent urge to urinate for a few days. It is also normal to see a small amount of blood in your urine as you heal.

Your clinician may place a stent, which is a small, flexible tube, inside your ureter. This helps urine flow while any swelling goes down. This stent is temporary and will be removed during a follow-up visit. Drinking plenty of water is often recommended to help flush your system and keep you comfortable.

Risks & Possible Complications

Ureteroscopy is considered a very safe procedure, but like any medical treatment, there are some risks to keep in mind. These may include:

• A minor urinary tract infection.
• Mild bleeding in the urine.
• A small risk of injury to the ureter.

You should contact your clinician if you experience a high fever, chills, or severe pain that does not improve with prescribed medication. They can help ensure you are healing as expected.

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

This procedure has a high success rate for removing kidney stones and helping your clinician see inside the urinary tract. Most patients feel much better once the stone is gone and the initial healing period has passed.

To help prevent future issues, your clinician may suggest lifestyle changes. This often includes drinking more water throughout the day or making small changes to your diet. These steps can help keep your kidneys healthy and reduce the chance of new stones forming.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

It is completely normal to feel a little nervous before a procedure. Because ureteroscopy uses a small camera and does not require any skin incisions (cuts), the recovery is usually much faster than traditional surgery. You will be under anesthesia during the process, so you will not feel any pain while it is happening.

Focus on the goal of being pain-free and getting back to your daily routine. Your healthcare team is dedicated to your comfort and is ready to support you through every step of the process.

Why doctors recommend it

Clinicians often suggest ureteroscopy to treat kidney stones that are too large to pass on their own. It is a common choice for stones located in the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) or the kidney itself. Because this method allows the doctor to see the stone directly using a ureteroscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera), it is often very effective.

Your clinician may recommend this procedure if other treatments, such as shock wave therapy, have not worked or are not the right fit for your situation. It is also used to investigate other health concerns, such as the cause of blood in the urine or a blockage in the urinary tract that does not involve a stone.

Urgent vs planned treatment

In many cases, this procedure is scheduled in advance. A planned treatment allows you and your care team to prepare. This is often the path taken when a stone is not causing an emergency but is unlikely to pass without help or is causing persistent discomfort.

However, there are times when the procedure may be needed more quickly. Your clinician may recommend urgent treatment if:

• A stone is causing severe pain that cannot be managed with medicine.
• The stone is completely blocking the flow of urine from the kidney.
• There are signs of a urinary tract infection combined with a blockage.

Goals of treatment

The primary goal of ureteroscopy is to clear the urinary tract so urine can flow freely again. During the procedure, the clinician may use a laser to break a stone into tiny pieces or use a small basket-like tool to remove the stone entirely. This helps relieve pain and prevents potential damage to the kidneys.

Another important goal is to give your clinician a clear view of your urinary system. This allows them to check for polyps (small growths), tumors, or unusual tissue that might be causing symptoms. Success means the blockage is cleared, and your clinician has the information needed to help keep your urinary tract healthy.

Who may benefit

Ureteroscopy is a common procedure used to treat stones in the kidneys or the ureters (the thin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). Your clinician may suggest this if a stone is too large to pass on its own or if it is causing significant pain or a blockage.

This approach is often helpful for stones located in the lower part of the ureter, closer to the bladder. It may also be a preferred option for individuals who cannot have other types of stone treatments, such as those who are pregnant, have blood-clotting concerns, or are significantly overweight.

Beyond treating stones, your care team might use this procedure to look for the cause of a blockage or to check on suspicious areas in the urinary tract, such as polyps or small tumors.

When it may not be the right option

While ureteroscopy is effective for many, it may not be the first choice in every situation. For example, if a stone is very small, your clinician might recommend waiting to see if it passes naturally with plenty of fluids and medication.

If you have an active urinary tract infection, your care team will likely treat the infection with antibiotics before scheduling the procedure. Additionally, for very large or complex stones, other surgical methods might be more effective at clearing the stone entirely.

Your clinician will also consider your overall health and any previous surgeries in the area. In some cases, the shape or size of the ureter may make it difficult for the scope to pass safely, leading your team to suggest an alternative treatment.

Questions to ask your care team

It is helpful to discuss the details of the procedure with your urologist to understand what to expect. You may want to bring a list of questions to your next appointment, such as:

• Why is ureteroscopy the best option for my specific stone or condition?
• Will I need a stent (a small tube left in the ureter) after the procedure, and for how long?
• What are the chances that I will need a second procedure to fully remove the stone?
• How should I prepare for the day of the surgery?
• What does the typical recovery look like, and when can I return to work?

In the procedure room

When you arrive in the procedure room, the medical team will help you get settled on a specialized table. The room is a sterile environment equipped with monitors to track your health and advanced imaging tools to help the clinician see inside your body.

The staff will prepare the area and ensure you are comfortable. You will meet the nurses and specialists who will be monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing throughout the entire process.

High-level steps

Ureteroscopy is performed without making any cuts or incisions in your body. Instead, the clinician uses a thin, flexible tube called a ureteroscope, which has a tiny camera and light on the end.

• The scope is gently passed through the urethra (the tube where urine leaves the body) and into the bladder.
• From there, it moves into the ureter, which is the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder.
• If a kidney stone is found, the clinician may use a tiny basket to grab it or a laser to break it into smaller pieces.
• In some cases, a small, temporary tube called a stent may be placed in the ureter. This is done to keep the passage open and help urine flow while the area heals from any irritation.

Anesthesia and pain control

To ensure you are comfortable and do not feel pain, your clinician will use anesthesia. Most often, general anesthesia is used, which means you will be in a deep sleep during the procedure and will not remember it.

In some situations, regional anesthesia may be used to numb the lower half of your body while you remain relaxed. Your care team will discuss the best option for you based on your health and the complexity of the procedure.

Monitoring and safety steps

Your safety is the top priority during the procedure. The medical team uses monitors to continuously track your vital signs, such as your heart rate and oxygen levels. This allows them to make adjustments instantly if needed.

The clinician uses the camera on the scope to carefully navigate your urinary tract. This visual guidance helps ensure the procedure is done precisely and safely without damaging the delicate lining of the ureter or bladder.

Immediately after the procedure

After the procedure is finished, you will be moved to a recovery area. As the anesthesia wears off, you may feel sleepy or groggy for a short time. Nurses will check on you frequently to ensure you are waking up comfortably.

It is common to feel some mild soreness in the bladder area or a frequent urge to urinate. You might also notice a small amount of blood in your urine, which is typically a normal part of the healing process after the scope has been used. If a stent was placed, you might feel a sensation of pressure or a mild ache in your side when you urinate.

Typical procedure length

The time it takes to complete a ureteroscopy can vary depending on what the clinician needs to do. On average, the procedure itself usually lasts between 1 and 3 hours.

If the clinician is simply looking for a problem, it may be shorter. If they need to break up or remove several stones, it may take a bit longer. Your team will give you a better idea of what to expect for your specific case.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure. This means that, unlike open surgery, your doctor does not need to make any cuts or incisions in your skin. Instead, the doctor uses a thin, flexible telescope called a ureteroscope.

During the procedure, the scope is gently passed through the urethra (the tube where urine leaves the body), into the bladder, and up into the ureter. This approach allows the doctor to see the urinary tract directly and treat kidney stones without creating a surgical wound. Because there are no cuts, this method is often done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can usually go home the same day.

Partial vs total

This category is not always applicable to ureteroscopy. The terms "partial" and "total" typically describe surgeries where a doctor removes part or all of an organ, such as a kidney.

Ureteroscopy is a procedure used to look inside the urinary tract, remove stones, or take tissue samples. It does not involve removing the ureter itself. Therefore, clinicians do not choose between a partial or total version of this procedure.

Revision or repeat procedures

In many cases, the doctor can treat the stone in a single procedure. If a stone is very large, a laser may be used to break it into smaller pieces that can be removed with a tiny basket or passed naturally. If a stone is particularly difficult to reach or too large to clear at once, a repeat procedure might be discussed, though this varies by case.

It is very common for a temporary tube, called a stent, to be placed in the ureter at the end of the procedure. This stent helps keep the ureter open while swelling goes down. You will likely need a follow-up visit to have this stent removed after a few days or weeks once the area has healed.

Tests and imaging that may be done

Before your procedure, your healthcare team needs to check your overall health and locate the kidney stone precisely. This helps them plan the safest way to remove or break up the stone.

Common pre-procedure tests include:

• Urine tests: A urinalysis is often done to make sure you do not have a urinary tract infection (UTI). If an infection is found, it must be treated before the procedure.
• Blood tests: These check your kidney function and blood cell counts to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery.
• Imaging: Your doctor may order a CT scan, X-ray, or MRI to see the exact size and location of the stone and the shape of your urinary tract.

Medication adjustments

It is important to tell your doctor about all the medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. Some medications can increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure.

Your clinician may ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medicines, particularly:

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
• Aspirin or medications containing aspirin
• Certain over-the-counter pain relievers
• Specific supplements

Important: Only stop taking your prescribed medicines if your clinician specifically instructs you to do so. They will tell you exactly when to stop and when it is safe to start taking them again.

Day-before and day-of instructions

Because ureteroscopy is usually performed under general anesthesia (medicine that puts you to sleep), you will need to prepare your body for the surgery. Following these instructions helps prevent complications.

Checklist for the day before:

• Fasting: You will likely be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. This includes water and coffee.
• Confirm your ride: You will not be allowed to drive yourself home after anesthesia. Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to pick you up.

Checklist for the day of:

• Medications: If your doctor told you to take specific heart or blood pressure medication on the morning of surgery, take it with a small sip of water.
• Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to change out of.
• Arrival: Arrive at the hospital or surgery center at the time listed in your instructions to complete any necessary paperwork.

General surgical risks

Ureteroscopy is generally considered a safe procedure, but like any surgery, it carries some standard risks. Because anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable or asleep, there is a small chance of a reaction to the medication. Your care team monitors your heart rate and breathing closely to manage this.

Bleeding and infection are also possible. While some blood in the urine is normal after surgery, heavy bleeding is rare. Doctors often take precautions to prevent infection, such as keeping the equipment sterile and sometimes giving antibiotics.

Procedure-specific complications

Because this procedure involves passing small instruments through the urinary tract, there are specific risks involving the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). In a small number of cases, the ureter may be injured or perforated (a small hole) during the stone removal.

Other possible issues include:

• Scar tissue: Rarely, the ureter may develop scar tissue that causes it to narrow, a condition called a stricture.
• Stent discomfort: While not a complication of the surgery itself, the temporary plastic tube (stent) placed to help healing can cause pain or a frequent urge to urinate.

How complications are treated

Most complications are treatable and temporary. If an infection develops, your clinician will typically prescribe antibiotics to clear it up. Minor bleeding usually resolves on its own by drinking plenty of water and resting.

If the ureter is injured or narrowed, the stent is the primary treatment. It holds the tube open so the tissue can heal properly. In very rare cases where an injury is more serious, further surgery might be needed to repair the ureter, but most patients recover well with standard follow-up care.

Pain control medicines

Your clinician may use different types of medicine to keep you comfortable. During the procedure, you will likely receive general anesthesia, which is medicine that puts you into a deep sleep so you do not feel any pain. In some cases, they may use sedation, which makes you feel very relaxed and sleepy while the area is numbed.

After the procedure, your clinician may suggest several ways to manage mild discomfort or cramping:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Prescription medications if you need stronger relief for a short time.
• Medicines to help relax the muscles in your urinary tract.

Your care team will tailor these choices based on your health history and any allergies you may have.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent or treat infections. Because ureteroscopy involves placing a small scope into the urinary tract, your clinician may give you antibiotics to keep the area healthy and help prevent bacteria from growing.

You might receive these medicines in a few ways:

• Through an IV (a thin tube in your arm) just before the procedure begins.
• As a pill to take by mouth for a short time after you go home.

It is important to tell your clinician if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. If you are prescribed a course of pills to take at home, your clinician will likely ask you to finish the entire prescription.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

If you take blood thinners (anticoagulants), which are medicines that help prevent blood clots, your clinician will provide specific instructions. They may ask you to stop taking these for several days before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding during the surgery.

Common examples of these medicines include aspirin or other prescription heart medications. Your clinician will decide when it is safe for you to stop and restart them based on your specific needs. Never stop taking your regular medications unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so, as they will balance the risk of bleeding with the risk of clots.

Emergency warning signs

While serious complications are rare, certain symptoms require immediate attention. You should seek emergency medical care if you are unable to urinate at all. This can indicate a blockage or swelling that needs to be treated right away.

You should also seek immediate help if you experience severe pain that does not get better after taking your prescribed pain medication.

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice signs that could suggest an infection or other issues. Your clinician will likely want to hear from you if:

• You have a fever or shaking chills.
• You have nausea or vomiting that prevents you from drinking fluids or taking your medicine.
• You see heavy bleeding in your urine (looking like ketchup) or you pass blood clots.

Expected vs concerning symptoms

It is helpful to distinguish between normal recovery signs and symptoms that need medical attention.

Expected symptoms: Most people see a small amount of blood in their urine for about 24 hours after the surgery. The urine may look pink or reddish. It is also common to feel a burning sensation when you urinate or to have mild discomfort in the bladder or kidney area.

Concerning symptoms: It is not normal to have thick, bright red blood in the urine or pain that becomes sharp and unmanageable. If your symptoms feel extreme or different from what your care team described, contact your provider.

Non-surgical treatments

Before suggesting a procedure, your clinician may consider non-surgical ways to manage kidney or ureteral stones. One common option is Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL). This uses sound waves from outside the body to break stones into tiny pieces that can be passed in the urine. It is non-invasive, meaning it does not require any incisions or tools inside the body.

Your clinician may also prescribe medications to help a stone pass. These often include "alpha-blockers," which help relax the muscles in the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). Drinking plenty of water is also a key part of this process to help flush the stone out naturally.

Watchful waiting

If a stone is very small and is not causing severe symptoms, your clinician may suggest watchful waiting. This means monitoring the stone over a few weeks to see if it will pass on its own without a procedure. This approach is often used when the stone is likely to move through the urinary tract without getting stuck.

During this time, you may be asked to:

• Drink extra fluids to help move the stone along.
• Use over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers.
• Strain your urine to catch the stone if it passes, so it can be tested in a lab.

When surgery becomes the best option

While non-surgical methods are often the first step, surgery like ureteroscopy may become necessary if the stone does not move. Your clinician may recommend a procedure if the stone is too large to pass naturally or if other treatments, like shock wave therapy, did not work effectively.

Surgery often becomes the best choice if certain "red flags" appear, such as:

• Severe pain that cannot be managed with medication.
• Signs of an infection, such as a fever or chills.
• A stone that is completely blocking the flow of urine, which can put stress on the kidneys.
• The stone has not moved after several weeks of waiting.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

Ureteroscopy is typically performed in a hospital's urology department or an outpatient surgery center. A urologist—a doctor who specializes in the urinary tract—usually leads the surgical team. Because the procedure often requires general anesthesia (medicine that puts you into a deep sleep), the hospital's anesthesiology department will also be involved in your care.

Many facilities offer specialized kidney health centers or ambulatory surgery units. These departments focus on treating kidney stones and other issues within the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). Your clinician may recommend a facility that has advanced imaging tools and laser technology used to break up stones during the procedure.

Patient resources and support services

Most hospitals provide resources to help you prepare for your procedure and recovery. These may include:

• Pre-operative education: Many centers offer guides or videos explaining how to prepare, such as when to stop eating or drinking before surgery.
• Recovery support: After the procedure, you will likely spend time in a post-anesthesia care unit, where nurses monitor you as the anesthesia wears off.
• Care coordination: Staff members can help schedule follow-up appointments to remove any stents (small tubes placed to keep the ureter open) or to discuss lab results.
• Patient portals: These online tools allow you to message your care team, view test results, and read your discharge instructions from home.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

Choosing the right location for your procedure can help you feel more confident. You may want to ask your clinician or the facility staff the following questions:

• How many ureteroscopy procedures does this facility perform each year?
• Is the surgery usually done as an outpatient procedure, or will I need to stay overnight?
• What kind of technology, such as lasers or digital cameras, does the surgical team use?
• Does the facility have experience managing the specific type of stone or condition I have?
• Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns during my recovery at home?

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

Ureteroscopy is most often used to manage kidney stones. These are hard deposits of minerals and salts that can form inside the kidneys. When a stone moves into the ureter (the narrow tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder), it can cause significant discomfort or block the flow of urine.

Your clinician may also use this procedure to investigate or treat other issues within the urinary tract. These may include:

• Ureteral strictures: These are narrow areas or blockages in the tube that carries urine.
• Abnormal growths: This includes polyps (small growths) or tumors that may be located in the ureter or the lining of the kidney.
• Suspicious tissue: Areas that require a biopsy, which is the removal of a tiny sample of tissue to be examined in a lab.

Related symptoms people search for

People who are candidates for this procedure often experience symptoms related to a blockage or irritation in the urinary system. One of the most common signs is flank pain, which is a sharp or cramping sensation in the back or side. This pain may move toward the lower abdomen or groin area.

Other symptoms that can be associated with these conditions include:

• Hematuria: This is the medical term for blood in the urine, which may make the urine look pink, red, or tea-colored.
• Urinary changes: This may include a frequent or urgent need to urinate, or a burning sensation during the process.
• Nausea: An upset stomach or vomiting can sometimes occur, especially if a stone is causing intense discomfort.

Because these symptoms can be caused by many different issues, they should be evaluated by a clinician to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care plan.

Evidence overview

Ureteroscopy is a widely accepted medical procedure used to treat kidney stones. It is considered a standard treatment option, particularly when stones are located in the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder) or the kidney itself. Medical experts generally view it as an effective way to remove stones that are too large to pass on their own.

Because the procedure involves passing a small scope through natural urinary passages, it does not require incisions (cuts) on the outside of the body. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients are able to go home the same day.

Safety notes and individualized care

While ureteroscopy is generally considered safe, every medical procedure carries some risks. Your clinical team will discuss these with you based on your specific health history. Potential complications can include bleeding, infection, or injury to the ureter. In some cases, the ureter may narrow slightly during the healing process.

To support safety and recovery, your clinician may take the following steps:

• Stent placement: A small, temporary tube called a stent is often placed inside the ureter at the end of the procedure. This helps keep the passage open while it heals and manages swelling.
• Infection prevention: Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection.
• Personalized planning: Not every stone requires this procedure. Your healthcare provider will evaluate the size, type, and location of your stone to determine if ureteroscopy is the best choice compared to other treatments.

Sources used

The information provided in this section is grounded in patient education materials from major academic medical centers and reputable health information organizations.