Flexible Ureteroscopy: A Minimally Invasive New Option for Stone Removal

Stones No Longer Trouble You, Health Without Surgery
Flexible Ureteroscopy: A New Minimally Invasive Option for Stone Removal

Introduction

Kidney stones are common among middle-aged and older adults, or in obese individuals, people prone to stones, and those with special metabolic conditions. Stones can cause symptoms such as lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, hematuria (blood in urine), or lead to urinary tract infections. If stones fall and get stuck in the ureter, it may cause severe pain or acute kidney injury, requiring urgent treatment.

Our Urology Department provides safe and minimally invasive kidney stone treatment options, including extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy, helping patients win the battle against stones.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

ESWL is used to treat kidney or ureteral stones visible on X-ray. Stones smaller than 1 cm are best suited for this treatment. This outpatient procedure does not require hospitalization, and patients remain awake without general anesthesia during treatment. After treatment, patients can return home and rest immediately. ESWL is the most convenient and least invasive stone treatment.

Flexible Ureteroscopy Lithotripsy

When stones are larger or multiple stones are scattered in different parts of the kidney, multiple ESWL sessions might be needed to clear them. Flexible ureteroscopy can be more effective in these cases.

The ureteroscope’s tip can bend up to approximately 270 degrees. After anesthesia, the scope is inserted through the urethra, passing the bladder and ureter to reach the kidney, where laser fibers are used to break up stones. Because the procedure is performed within the body’s natural passages, no external wounds are created.

In addition to laser lithotripsy, stone baskets and suction tubes are also used to assist in removing stones during the same procedure, aiming to clear all stones in one surgery.

Which Treatment is Right for You?

Treating kidney stones depends on the stone’s location, size, and number. Different treatment options are recommended based on these factors. The comparison of different treatment methods is summarized as follows: