About Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive with no external incisions.High success rate for stone clearance, especially in the lower ureter.Allows for direct visualization and precise treatment of the stone.Typically results in less post-operative pain and a quicker recovery than open surgery.Can be used to treat stones in both the ureter and the kidney.Often performed as a same-day or short-stay procedure./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Stones in the ureter or kidney that are too large to pass spontaneously (typically >5-7mm).
- Stones causing persistent pain (renal colic) unresponsive to medication.
- Obstructing stones leading to hydronephrosis (kidney swelling).
- Stones associated with urinary tract infection or sepsis.
- Failure of previous treatment such as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL).
- Stones in patients with anatomical abnormalities of the urinary tract.
- Stones causing impaired kidney function.
How to prepare
- Complete a pre-operative evaluation, which may include blood tests, urine tests, and imaging (CT scan or ultrasound).
- Discuss all current medications with your urologist; you may need to stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) several days prior.
- Fast (no food or drink) for 6-12 hours before the procedure as instructed.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you will receive anesthesia.
- Inform your doctor of any allergies, especially to contrast dye or medications.
- You may be given a single dose of antibiotics before the procedure to prevent infection.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding in the urine (hematuria), which is common and usually temporary.
- Infection or urinary tract infection (UTI).
- Injury to the ureter, which could include perforation, stricture (narrowing), or avulsion (rare but serious).
- Incomplete stone fragmentation or retention of stone fragments.
- Pain or discomfort, especially while urinating, after the procedure.
- Risks associated with anesthesia (e.g., allergic reaction, breathing problems).
- Possibility of needing an additional procedure, such as placement of a ureteral stent.
Recovery & hospital stay
- You will be monitored in a recovery area until the effects of anesthesia wear off.
- Drink plenty of fluids (2-3 liters per day) to help flush out any remaining stone fragments and prevent new stones.
- You may experience blood in the urine, frequent urination, or a burning sensation for a few days; this is normal.
- A temporary ureteral stent may be placed to promote healing and drainage; it is usually removed in the clinic after 1-2 weeks.
- Take prescribed pain medications and antibiotics as directed.
- Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and driving for at least 3-5 days or as advised by your doctor.
- Follow up with your urologist as scheduled for imaging to confirm stone clearance and stent removal if placed.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-7 days for normal activities, 2-3 weeks for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering ureteroscopic lithotripsy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for ureteroscopic lithotripsy in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform ureteroscopic lithotripsy. MediFyr helps you compare urologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for ureteroscopic lithotripsy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 55 Thousand – 200 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 3-7 days for normal activities, 2-3 weeks for full recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 193 Thousand – 700 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 3-7 days for normal activities, 2-3 weeks for full recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated urology teams and experience managing patients undergoing ureteroscopic lithotripsy.
Neha Saxena, a 42-year-old software project...
Neha Saxena, a 42-year-old software project manager and mother of two, had always been healthy. Her life was a whirlwind of deadlines and school runs until she began experiencing a persistent, dull ache in her right flank. Initially, she dismissed it as a pulled muscle from carrying her toddler. However, the pain soon escalated into sharp, debilitating spasms that left her sweating and nauseous during an important client presentation. A visit to her GP and a subsequent CT scan revealed a 7mm kidney stone lodged in her mid-ureter. Her urologist, Dr. Sharma, explained that due to its size and location, it was unlikely to pass on its own. He recommended ureteroscopic lithotripsy, describing it as a minimally invasive procedure where a thin scope would be used to find and break up the stone with a laser. Neha was terrified; the thought of any procedure near her kidneys filled her with anxiety, and she worried about taking time off work and being unable to care for her children. The day of the procedure went smoothly under general anesthesia. She woke up with a stent in place and some discomfort, but the excruciating colic was gone. The first 24 hours involved significant bladder urgency and some blood in her urine, but pain medication helped. The stent was removed a week later in a quick office procedure. Within two weeks, Neha was back to her routine, pain-free. The emotional relief was profound. She moved from a state of constant, anxious anticipation of the next pain spike to immense gratitude for modern medicine. The experience gave her a new perspective, prompting her to prioritize hydration and her own health amidst her busy life.
Urologists for Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy
Explore experienced urologists who regularly perform ureteroscopic lithotripsy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 6 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 26 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 16 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 13 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore