URSL (ureteroscopy with lithotripsy)

Ureters convery the urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. Patients with ureteral stones will present with renal colic or dull loin pain; if the problem is serious, renal function will be impaired. Therefore, surgical intervention is necessary.

Preparation

Fasting for 6 hours prior to procedures performed under general anaesthesia
A written consent is required

Procedure

Ureteroscoped is passed through the urethra and urinary bladder up to the ureter under X-ray guidance
The ureteral stones can be disintegrated by laser into small pieces, which can then be passed out along with urine
The stones can be extracted with instruments
Internal ureteral stents will be placed to facilitate healing and ensure drainage if necessary
The stent will be removed with cystoscope a few weeks after the operation under local anaesthesia

Care and Advice

After general anaesthesia, you may feel tired, dizzy or weak. You will rest and stay in the hospital overnight
You may have sore throat, headache, vomiting or bruises a the puncture site occasionally. They will subside after a few days
Take painkillers as prescribed
Patients may have loin pain or burning sensation during micturition. Sometimes the urine may turn red, or it may contain blood clots or small pieces of broken stones. These will disappear in a few days
During the first 2 days, drink a lot of water (2-3 Litre per day) to facilitate urination. Avoid coffee, tea, coke or alcoholic beverages

Complications

You have to attend the Accident and Emergency Department of a hospital if you have any of the following complications
Severe pain despite taking the pain killer
Difficult to or cannot pass urine
Continue passing blood clots and blood in urine 2 days after operation
Body temperature above 38℃ or 100°F