Laser stone surgery
Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy: a fine scope reaches stones in the ureter or kidney and a laser breaks them up, with no cuts.
- Anaesthesia
- General or spinal
- Hospital stay
- Usually same day or one night
- Incisions
- None
- Back to routine
- Often within a few days
General guidance. Your own plan, timings and risks are discussed at consultation.
How it works
The 3D view follows each stage as you read.
Through the natural passage
Through the natural passage
Under anaesthesia, a thin scope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter. No cuts are made on the skin.
Finding the stone
A camera at the tip shows the stone on a screen, so it can be reached in the ureter or inside the kidney.
Breaking it with a laser
Laser energy travels down a fine fibre and breaks the stone into dust and small pieces, which are rinsed out or removed with a tiny basket.
A stent while it heals
A soft temporary tube called a DJ stent is often placed to help the kidney drain while swelling settles. It is removed later in a short procedure.
Who it helps
- Ureteric stones
- Small and medium kidney stones
- Stones that do not pass with medicine
Recovery
Same day
Most patients go home the same day or the next morning.
First few days
Some burning, frequent urination or pink urine is common, especially with a stent.
Following weeks
The stent is removed when your doctor advises, often within a few weeks.
Long term
Drink plenty of water and follow up to discuss preventing new stones.
Risks to know about
Possible issues include urine infection, bleeding, stent discomfort and, rarely, injury to the ureter. Your individual risks are explained before surgery.
Questions patients ask
Will I need a stent?
Often, yes. It depends on the stone's size, how long it was stuck and how the ureter looks during surgery.
Can large kidney stones be treated this way?
Small and medium stones often can. Very large stones are usually better treated with PCNL.
Other treatments
Each one has its own step-by-step guide with a 3D walkthrough.
Questions about your kidneys, bladder or prostate?
Book a clinic visit in Lahore or a video consultation from home.