For stones that get caught in the ureter during passage to the bladder, urinary obstruction due to impaction of the stone can occur. This is often due to stones larger than 5 mm in size. If these stone fragments do not pass spontaneously after conservative therapy (i.e. hydration and pain medication) then URETEROPYELOSCOPY and LASER LITHOTRIPSY may be required.
Ureteropyeloscopy is usually performed under general anesthesia. Ureteropyeloscopy is performed by introducing a small telescope (called a ureteroscope) through the urethra, into the bladder, and up the ureter.
With direct visualization of the stone within the ureter, a laser fiber can be used to fragment the stone into smaller pieces.
A ureteral stent is often required with this procedure.
Ureteropyeloscopy with laser lithotripsy can require anywhere between 1-3 hours depending on the size and location of the stone within the urinary tract.