Laser Kidney Stone Removal
A patient guide, Lucknow

Kidney and ureter stones can cause severe pain, infection and kidney damage. Laser stone removal treats many stones without any cut on the skin: a thin telescope is passed through the urinary passage to the stone, which is broken up with a holmium laser. At Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, M.Ch urologists perform ureteroscopy (URS) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS).

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About the procedure

What is laser stone removal?

In ureteroscopy, a thin telescope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter (the tube from the kidney). For stones inside the kidney, a flexible scope is used (RIRS). The laser breaks the stone into dust or small pieces, which are removed or pass in the urine. A temporary stent is often placed to help drainage.

  • No skin cut
  • Holmium laser stone fragmentation
  • Rigid or flexible scopes depending on stone position
  • Temporary stent when needed
  • Usually a day or overnight stay

Ureter stones

Rigid or semi-rigid ureteroscopy.

Kidney stones

Flexible ureteroscopy (RIRS).

Laser

Breaks stones into fragments or dust.

Short stay

Often home the same or next day.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of kidney stones

See a doctor if you have:

Severe side or back pain

Coming in waves, spreading to the groin.

Blood in the urine

Pink, red or brown urine.

Frequent or painful urination

Urgency.

Nausea and vomiting

With pain.

Fever and chills

Suggests infection — urgent.

Stone seen on a scan

Even without pain.

Fever with a stone blocking the kidney is an emergency. Call 0522-666-4444 or come to the emergency department. Call 0522-666-4444.

Tests

Tests and choosing treatment

The size and position of the stone guide treatment.

Ultrasound

First test for many patients.

CT KUB

Shows the size and position of stones.

Urine tests

Infection check.

Blood tests

Kidney function.

Plan

Medicines, laser or other procedure.

Which treatment for which stone?

Tap an option.

The procedure

What to expect

Here is what usually happens.

Preparing

Urine infection is treated first. You fast for a few hours.

Urine test and treatment of infectionBlood testsFasting

Bring

  • CT or ultrasound reports
  • List of medicines
  • Blood thinner details

Ask us about

  • Stent
  • Time off work
  • Costs
Your journey

From consultation to recovery

Step 1

Consultation

Symptoms and scans reviewed.

Step 2

Scans

CT or ultrasound.

Step 3

Plan & estimate

Procedure and costs explained.

Step 4

Laser treatment

Usually 30–90 minutes.

Step 5

Home

Same or next day.

Step 6

Follow-up

Stent removal and scan.

Preventing stones

Lowering the chance of new stones

About half of people who have had a stone get another within some years. These steps help.

Drink enough

Drink enough water to pass about 2.5 litres of urine a day — more in summer.

Pale yellow urine is a good sign.

Diet

Cut down on salt, packaged foods and excess meat.

Do not cut out calcium-rich foods unless advised; normal dietary calcium helps.

Stone analysis

Analysis of the removed stone and blood and urine tests can show why stones form.

Follow-up

An ultrasound or X-ray at intervals checks for new stones.

Contact us urgently if

  • Fever with chills
  • Severe pain not relieved by medicines
  • Unable to pass urine
  • Vomiting and unable to keep fluids down
  • Heavy bleeding in the urine
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Common beliefs about kidney stones

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Beer helps pass stones.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Alcohol dehydrates you and is not a treatment. Water is.

Myth

“All stones need surgery.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Many small stones pass on their own with fluids and medicines.

Myth

“Stones never come back after removal.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Stones can recur. Drinking enough water and follow-up lower the risk.

Myth

“Avoid all calcium.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Cutting dietary calcium can increase some stones. Follow your doctor’s diet advice.

Our doctors

Meet our urologists

Urology PCNL
Practical help

Preparing, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us plan your treatment.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • CT or ultrasound reports
  • Urine and blood reports
  • A list of medicines, including blood thinners
  • Insurance card or employer letter

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the size and position of the stone, the scope and laser used, whether a stent is placed and the length of stay. Ask for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Is there any cut?

No. The scope goes through the natural urinary passage.

How long does it take?

Usually 30 to 90 minutes.

Will I need a stent?

Often, for 1 to 3 weeks. It is removed in a short procedure.

When can I go back to work?

Often within 2 to 3 days.

What are the risks?

Infection, bleeding, injury to the ureter and stent discomfort. Your urologist will explain your own risk.

Will the stone come back?

Stones can recur; drinking enough water and follow-up help.

Is it covered by insurance?

Most health insurance policies and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY cover this treatment for eligible patients. Our insurance desk can check your cover.

How do I book a consultation?

Call 0522-666-4444 or use the form on this page.

Glossary

Words you may hear

URSUreteroscopy — a scope through the urinary passage.
RIRSRetrograde intrarenal surgery with a flexible scope.
Holmium laserA laser used to break stones.
DJ stentA thin tube between the kidney and bladder.
CT KUBCT scan of the kidneys, ureters and bladder.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Urology PCNL Ureteral stent Kidney stones

Talk to our specialists

Book a consultation. Call 0522-666-4444.

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Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Urology and Kidney Transplant, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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