What is Ureteroscopy, Can this be used for removing stones from urater?

Answer 1

Ureteroscopy is one such newer technique that enables us to visualize the ureter from within and helps us to treat and diagnose pathologies in the ureter. Ureteroscopy is an extension of the cysto-urethroscopy techniques used in the urethra and bladder, and involves similar indications. However as the ureter is narrow and thin walled ureteroscopy has a narrower safety margin for the prevention of complications.

Ureteric stones which have not moved after a sufficiently long expectant wait; stones with back-pressure changes in the kidneys; stones causing repeated colics with non progression; stones with haematuria and stones with sepsis require surgical intervention. Stones in the upper ureter can betreated with ESWL with sufficient success of upto 80%. In case of ESWL failure of these cases, the option of an open operation or ureteroscopy should be kept in mind. In case of the lower and mid ureteral s
tones, ureteroscopic stone fragmentation is the preferred treatment option. Factors as stone size, composition, location, associated ureteral condition and past history of the patient should be borne in mind before deciding on the treatment option. In cases of calculi associated with severe obstruction it may be better to place a DJ stent for a few days to weeks prior to ureteroscopic stone fragmentation. This step decreases the renal congestion and passively dilates the ureter, and makes the subsequent ureteroscopic manipulations easy.

Answer 2

In ureteroscopy a small scope in inserted into the ureter (tube leading from kidney to bladder) to look for any abnormalities. The scope is often fitted with a device that can indeed remove stones from the ureter.