What is Flexible Ureteroscopy?
Flexible ureteroscopy is minimally invasive endoscopic treatment for kidney and ureteral stones using a thin, articulating ureteroscope. The scope is advanced retrograde through the urethra and bladder to visualize stones directly via video monitor. Laser or ultrasonic lithotripsy fragments stones; fragments are then retrieved or allowed to pass. Flexible scopes reach all regions of the collecting system including upper pole and infundibular stones. 90-95% stone-free rates, same-day discharge, and minimal recovery make flexible ureteroscopy ideal for most patients with stones <20mm.
Advantages Over Other Techniques
- Minimally invasive—no incisions or trauma
- 90-95% stone-free rate on first procedure
- Treats all collecting system locations
- Applicable to all stone densities
- Excellent visualization via high-definition camera
- Same-day or next-day discharge
- Rapid return to normal activities (1-2 weeks)
- Can access upper pole stones (PCNL cannot easily)
The Procedure: Step-by-Step
🏥 Preparation
General or regional anesthesia. Patient positioned supine. Foley catheter placed. Flexible cystoscope advanced to identify ureteral orifice. Guidewire passed into ureter under fluoroscopic guidance.
🔍 Visualization
Flexible ureteroscope advanced over guidewire retrograde through ureter into kidney. High-definition camera displays real-time images on monitor. Complete visualization of entire collecting system including upper pole, middle calyx, lower calyx.
⚡ Stone Fragmentation
Holmium laser fiber or ultrasonic lithotripsy probe positioned against stone. Laser energy or ultrasound fragments stone into small dust-like particles. Continuous irrigation maintains visualization and flushes debris.
🧺 Fragment Removal & Stent
Basket catheter retrieves larger fragments. Smaller debris washes out naturally. Final inspection confirms stone-free status. Ureteral stent placed for post-operative drainage and swelling relief.
Why Choose Charak for Ureteroscopy?
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Expert Endourologists
Fellowship-trained specialists performing 100+ flexible ureteroscopies monthly.
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Advanced Technology
Latest flexible ureteroscopes with HD imaging, holmium laser system.
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High Success Rate
95%+ stone-free on first procedure. Excellent safety profile.
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Affordable Pricing
₹35,000-₹55,000. Insurance & Ayushman Bharat accepted.
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Same-Day Discharge
Most patients home same day or next morning.
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NABH Accredited
Highest safety standards.
Recovery & Timeline
- Day 1: Stent removal may occur or 1-2 weeks later
- Days 1-2: Dysuria (discomfort) common
- Days 3-7: Hematuria gradually clears
- Week 2: Light activity resumption
- Week 4: Full activity and exercise resume
- Follow-up imaging confirms stone-free status
- Lifelong stone prevention measures
FAQ
Endoscopic procedure using flexible ureteroscope to visualize and treat upper urinary tract stones. Laser or ultrasonic fragmentation. Minimally invasive, excellent visualization of entire collecting system.
Ureteral stones any size, kidney stones <20mm in lower pole, middle calyx stones. Less ideal for large/staghorn stones (prefer PCNL). High success rate across all stone densities.
Minimally invasive, high stone-free rate (90-95%), low morbidity, outpatient procedure, excellent for recurrent stones, can treat all collecting system locations.
30-90 minutes depending on stone size, density, and location. Larger stones take longer for complete fragmentation.
Same-day or next-day discharge. Stent removal 1-2 weeks post-op. Light activity 2-3 days, full activity 1-2 weeks. Dysuria 5-7 days.
Flexible ureteroscopy: ₹35,000-₹55,000. Includes procedure, anesthesia, laser lithotripsy. Insurance and Ayushman Bharat coverage available.
📍 Charak Hospital, Lucknow – 226003.
