Ureteroscopy/Pyeloscopy +/- Laser Stone

A “ureteroscopy” is a procedure to directly visualise the ureter (the tube that drains urine between the kidney and the bladder) using a very fine camera. A “pyeloscopy” is the visualisation of the collecting system of the kidney (where urine collects inside the kidney before it drains via the ureter into the bladder). Often these procedures are performed in order to treat an abnormality, such a kidney stone. Sometimes they are done to investigate abnormalities seen on a scan (eg. tumour). Often, a ureteric stent is placed or replaced during one of these procedures as a safety precaution, in order to prevent complications after these procedures.
Ureteroscopy/Pyeloscopy +/- Laser Stone
The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic. A cystoscopy, (examination of the inside of the bladder and the urethra), is performed first with a special viewing camera. Dye is then injected into the ureter and x-rays are taken to outline the urinary collecting system from the kidney to the bladder. A guide wire is then placed up to the kidney for safety and a flexible or rigid ureteroscope is then able to be used to reach the area of interest in the ureter or kidney. Special tools such as a laser or basket can be passed through instruments to blast or extract stones for example. After the procedure is complete, a ureteric stent is usually inserted under x-ray guidance.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

WHAT ABOUT DIET?

WHAT ABOUT EXERCISE/ACTIVITY?

WHAT ABOUT MEDICATIONS?

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS?

NOTIFY GM UROLOGY or your GP if you experience any of the following:

FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT

Your doctor will generally speak to about the results of the procedure before you are discharged home and an appointment for your follow-up procedure or removal of the stent will be organised (roughly within 2 weeks). If an appointment time is not given to you on discharge from hospital, you will need to phone GM Urology to make an appointment.
If you have any queries please contact GM Urology on 03 5201 7000 during business hours OR leave a message on the After Hours Urology Paging Service 03 9387 1000