Ureteroscopy is the most common outpatient procedure used to treat stones in the ureter (the tube connecting the bladder to the kidney) or kidney. This procedure can also be used to evaluate and treat other causes of kidney blockage or the presence of blood in the urine.
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Types of ureteroscopy
Ureteroscopy is performed using a tool called a ureteroscope, which is a long, thin tube with a lens at one end and a light and a small lens at the other end. Generally, there are two methods of ureteroscopy to treat urinary tract stones:
- If the stone is small, the doctor will insert a device into the ureter to remove the stone using a small basket at the end of a wire that is passed through an additional channel in the ureteroscope.
- However, if the stone is large, the doctor will guide a flexible fiber through the device to reach the stone, then use a laser beam to break the stone into small fragments so it can pass with the urine.
Depending on the location, size, and type of stone, the doctor will determine the most appropriate ureteroscopy method for you.
Purpose of ureteroscopy
Ureteroscopy is usually performed when you have a kidney stone in the ureter. Kidney stones are pebble-like substances made of minerals and salts found in the urine. These stones form in the kidneys but can move down through the ureter.
Additionally, doctors may recommend this procedure if:
- Blood is found in the urine
- There is a blockage in the ureter and/or kidney (due to stones or tumors).
Ureteroscopy procedure
The following is the ureteroscopy procedure:
Preparation for the procedure
Ask your doctor if there are any special instructions for preparation before undergoing ureteroscopy. Generally, patients are asked not to eat before the procedure.
Patients may also be asked to provide a urine sample first to ensure there is no infection. If so, patients will be instructed not to urinate for at least one hour before the procedure.
During the procedure
During the procedure, patients will be under general anesthesia and asleep. The doctor will insert the ureteroscope into the bladder and ureter to examine for problems in the urinary tract.
After the procedure
Since patients are under general anesthesia during the procedure, it is advisable to have someone accompany you home afterward. During the first two days after the procedure, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. Signs of infection include fever, chills, and increasing pain—inform your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Most ureteroscopy patients experience mild to moderate pain that can be managed with medication. To relieve mild pain, you can do the following:
- Drink two glasses of water (each 240 ml) every hour for two hours after the procedure
- With your doctor’s permission, you may take a warm bath
- A warm, moist compress on the urethral area can help
- Use an ice pack or heating pad on the kidney area.
Other possible side effects include cramping in the kidneys and bladder or a burning sensation during urination. Urine may also appear pink or red, which is a sign that you should increase fluid intake. These symptoms usually last until the stent is removed.
Benefits of ureteroscopy
Ureteroscopy is an effective method for addressing various conditions. This procedure allows urologists to:
- Obtain a very clear visualization of the urinary tract
- Remove or break up urinary tract stones
- Take tissue that appears suspicious.
Ureteroscopy is also an outpatient procedure, so patients can go home the same day after the procedure is completed.
Kidney stone specialists at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri has a team of urology specialists who are experts in treating kidney stones, including:
1. dr. Hendy Mirza, Sp.U(K)
dr. Hendy Mirza, Sp.U(K) is a urologist who graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra and completed his specialist education at the University of Indonesia.
He deepened his expertise in pediatric urology reconstruction and laparoscopy through a fellowship program and is certified as a Pediatric Urology Consultant.
dr. Hendy has experience in performing various urological procedures such as urinary tract surgery, prostate biopsy, PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy), and TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate).
dr. Hendy Mirza, Sp.U(K) is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Monday: 16.00 – 19.00 WIB
- Wednesday: 16.00 – 19.00 WIB
- Friday: 16.00 – 19.00 WIB
2. dr. Maruto Harjanggi, BSc(Hons), Sp.U, FICS
dr. Maruto Harjanggi is a urologist who graduated from the University of Indonesia and earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK.
With extensive expertise and experience, he masters various urology procedures such as kidney stone surgery, treatment of prostate enlargement (BPH), and vasectomy.
dr. Maruto Harjanggi, BSc(Hons), Sp.U, FICS is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Monday: 09.00 – 13.00 WIB
- Tuesday: 09.00 – 13.00 WIB
- Wednesday: 09.00 – 13.00 WIB
- Thursday: 09.00 – 13.00 WIB
- Friday: 09.00 – 13.00 WIB
- Saturday: 09.00 – 13.00 WIB
3. dr. Ima Nastiti Setyaningsih, Sp.U
dr. Ima Nastiti Setyaningsih, Sp.U completed her general medical and urology specialist education at the University of Indonesia. She has expertise in handling various urology cases such as kidney surgery, cystectomy, TURP procedure, and other urinary tract surgeries.
dr. Ima Nastiti Setyaningsih, Sp.U is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Tuesday: 14.00 – 16.00 WIB
- Thursday: 14.00 – 16.00 WIB
If you are looking to treat kidney stones, don’t hesitate to visit Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. To make your visit easier, use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or Care Dokter app, which can be downloaded on Google Play and App Store to simplify your visit, view queue numbers, and get other complete information.
