Kidney stones are a common health problem for many people. This can cause severe back pain, blood in the urine, and urinary tract infections, making many people uncomfortable. So, today we are going to talk about a treatment method that can remove stones very successfully without making a large incision. This is called `Ureteroscopy`.
Simply put, what is Ureteroscopy?
`Ureteroscopy` is a simple procedure that is performed in an operating room, but can also be done on an outpatient basis. It involves inserting a very thin, flexible tube through your urethra. This tube has a small camera and a light on one end. We call this instrument a `ureteroscope` .
This `ureteroscope` is inserted through the urethra, passed through the bladder, and along the ureters, the tubes that connect the kidneys and bladder, all the way to the kidneys. By viewing the images from this camera on a screen, the doctor can see exactly what stones, blockages, or other problems are inside the urinary system. This is both a test and a treatment.
How do you remove kidney stones with this treatment?
The treatment depends on the size of your kidney stone. Let's see how it works.
| Stone Size | Method of Treatment |
|---|---|
| Small Stones | If the stone is small, the doctor will carefully remove it using a small wire-like basket attached to the ureteroscope. |
| Large Stones | If the stone is large, it is difficult to remove it immediately. In such a case, a special laser beam is directed at the stone through a special flexible fiber that is passed through the `ureteroscope`. The power of this laser beam breaks the stone into small pieces. Then, these crushed pieces are easily passed out of the body along with the urine. |
Who needs this treatment?
There are several situations in which your doctor may suggest this treatment:
- Blood in the urine: If you have unexplained blood in the urine.
- Urinary tract obstruction: If the urinary tract is blocked by kidney stones or possibly other tumors.
Especially if you are a pregnant mother, obese, or have a blood clotting condition , this method called `Ureteroscopy` may be a more suitable and safer option for you than other treatment methods.
How should I prepare before treatment?
Since this is a surgical procedure, your doctor will give you clear instructions on how to prepare for it. These are the general instructions you will receive:
- Fasting: You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before surgery. This is done to prevent stomach contents from coming back up into the throat while you are under anesthesia.
- Giving a urine sample: You may be asked to give a urine sample before treatment to check for urinary tract infections.
What happens during and after treatment?
There is no reason to be afraid of this. This treatment is done under complete anesthesia, which means you are asleep. So you will not feel any pain. The doctor will insert the `ureteroscope` along the urethra and perform the necessary examination and treatment.
When you wake up after the treatment, you will be in the ward. Since you were anesthetized, it is essential that someone is there to take you home.
For about two days after treatment, you will be given an antibiotic to prevent infection. If you develop a fever, chills, or unbearable pain, these may be signs of an infection. If this happens , inform your doctor immediately.
How to manage pain and side effects?
You may experience some pain or discomfort for a few days after the treatment. You may experience some discomfort in the kidney or bladder area, or a burning sensation when you urinate. Your doctor will give you painkillers for this. In addition, you can do the following at home:
- Drink plenty of water: During the first two hours after treatment, drink at least two glasses of water every hour. This will help the crushed stone fragments pass more easily.
- Bathing in hot water: Ask your doctor and find that bathing in hot water can relieve pain.
- Warm compress: Gently apply a cloth soaked in warm water to the area where the urine comes out.
- Urine color: Your urine may be pinkish-red. This is normal, and it means you need to drink more water.
Sometimes, a small tube called a `stent` can be placed inside the kidney to help it heal faster and allow urine to flow properly. This is removed when you return to the clinic in a week or two.
What are the risks of this?
Like any surgery, there are some risks, but they are very minimal.
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Injury to the ureter
The chance of serious damage to the urethra is very small, about 1 in 1000. If that happens, you will have to have a separate surgery to repair it. Your doctor will inform you about all of this. So don't be unnecessarily afraid about this.
Take-Home Message
- Ureteroscopy is a very effective and safe treatment method used to remove kidney stones without a large incision.
- This treatment is performed under anesthesia, so you won't feel any pain.
- Small stones are caught and removed with a mesh, while larger stones are crushed with laser beams and passed out with urine.
- It is normal to experience some mild pain and red urine after treatment. It is important to drink plenty of water.
- Use the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor and follow his instructions.
- If you develop fever, chills, or severe pain, immediately notify your doctor or the hospital where you were treated.
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