At the beginning of URS, a ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra and bladder into the ureter or kidney. The patient is generally given a preoperative antibiotic to prevent infection. The ureteroscope is inserted through the opening of the patient’s urinary tract. Thus, no surgical cuts or incisions are made.

A urologist uses the scope to examine the urinary tract of the patient. It allows the urologist to locate the stones and eliminate other abnormalities. After locating the kidney stones, the urologist breaks them into fragments using laser energy or uses a basket-like device to remove the stones.

Dr. Nishith Reddy is one of the top urologists in Hyderabad. If you are suffering from a kidney-related issue, he can provide you with the best care in the city.

Things to Remember before the Procedure

If your urologist has suggested you to get URS done, you need to remember a number of things.

First, you need to ask your urologist about the steps of the treatment and if there are any special instructions to follow or not. The steps may differ slightly depending on the doctor and the hospital.

Your urologist may instruct you:

  • When you should empty your bladder before the operation.
  • When you should stop certain medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.).
  • When you should arrange medication for pain (if there is any pain).
  • What not to eat, drink or smoke approximately 6-8 hours before the operation.

Since it is an outpatient surgery, you are most likely to get discharged from the hospital on the same day of the operation. So, it is better to have clear communication with your urologist and get all the necessary information before you go in for the URS procedure.

At Hyderabad Multi-specialty Hospital, Dr. Nishith Reddy gives you a clear picture of what to expect from the URS procedure and what measures you need to take before and after the procedure.

What to Expect after a URS?

In some patients, the urologist places a stent in the ureter. The stent is a temporary small tube that allows urine to flow to the bladder since the ureter can be swollen following the procedure.

After the procedure, you may be given a urine catheter. It helps to drain urine from the bladder. You would also have to carry an infusion to help you regulate the fluid in your body.

The urologist may instruct you to remove your urine catheter and/or stent shortly after the procedure. You may also leave the hospital if you don’t have any difficulty emptying your bladder and do not experience fever or too much pain.

It is quite common to feel mild pain in your lower abdomen. You may also have a strong urge to urinate. These are the result of the inserted stent and/or catheter. It is possible to treat these symptoms using medication. You can ask your urologist for the same.

Dr. Nishith Reddy, the best urologist in Hyderabad, makes sure that you can get back to your regular life after the surgery without any problem.

What are the Complications Related to URS?

It is important to understand that complications may occur with any surgical procedure. However, they are rare in the case of URS. Some patients may experience the following complications from URS:

  • Perforation of the ureter
  • Urinary infection
  • Failure to remove the stone
  • Damage to other structures such as the urethra, ureter, bladder, kidney
  • Scar or stricture of the ureter
  • Need for additional surgery
  • Blood in urine

As mentioned, most patients do not experience any complications after URS. However, if you experience any discomfort or excess pain, fever, nausea, inability to urinate or others, you should immediately consult your urologist.

Dr. Nishith Reddy is one of the finest urologists in Hyderabad and ensures that all his patients have a smooth recovery.

What should You Do during the First Week after Surgery?

Your urologist is most likely to give you some instructions for your post-surgery recovery phase. Some of those common instructions are as follows:

  • Drink plenty of fluids – as much as 1.5 liters a day to maintain urine flow and spontaneous loss of small fragments of stone.
  • Do not engage in intercourse within the first week after the surgery. This helps avoid urinary tract infections.
  • Add more vegetables to your diet and cut back on animal protein to have a softer stool. This aids the inner healing process.
  • Get proper rest during the first week after the surgery.

You need to visit your urologist for a follow-up. During the follow-up, you can ask the doctor if you still need to follow the instructions or not. However, if you encounter any unexpected side effects, do not wait till the follow-up visit. Contact your urologist as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions about URS

Q: How long does it take to recover from a ureteroscopy?

A: In most cases, the patients can get back to their normal, daily activities within 5-7 days after the procedure. However, in some patients, it may take longer. If you are experiencing fatigue and/or discomfort with a ureteral stent in the bladder, you need to consult with your urologist.

Q: Is a stent necessary after a URS?

A: A ureteral stent is generally placed at the time of URS and left in place for 1-2 weeks following the surgery. The logic behind using stents in patients is to prevent urinary obstruction from stone fragments or edema. If you are facing any problems because of the stent, do inform your urologist.

Q: Is ureteroscopy effective in all kidney stone removal?

A: Ureteroscopy is used in removing all stone fragments in one’s kidney. However, it is not a preferred method for patients with large stones. The treatment of large stones leads to numerous fragments and their complete removal is practically impossible with ureteroscopy.

Q: What size kidney stone requires ureteroscopy?

A: Ureteroscopy (URS) with laser lithotripsy is ideal for stones up to 2 centimeters in size, located anywhere in the kidney or ureter.