Ureteroscopy & Keyhole Kidney Stone Surgery
Minimally invasive treatment for kidney and ureteric stones
When might kidney stone surgery be recommended?
The most appropriate treatment depends on the size and location of the stone, your symptoms, whether the urinary tract is obstructed and your general health.
Surgery may be considered when:
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A stone is unlikely to pass naturally
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Pain or other symptoms persist
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The stone is causing urinary obstruction
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There are recurrent urinary infections associated with the stone
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The stone is increasing in size
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There is deterioration or a risk to kidney function
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A stone is particularly large or located in a position where spontaneous passage is unlikely
Your scan and clinical circumstances will be reviewed carefully before recommending treatment.
Ureteroscopy and laser stone treatment
Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat stones within the ureter or kidney.
A fine telescope, called a ureteroscope, is passed through the natural urinary passage into the bladder and then into the ureter and kidney. This means that there is usually no incision through the skin.
Once the stone has been identified, a laser can be used to fragment it into smaller pieces. Depending on the size and location of the stone, fragments may be removed with a small retrieval basket or allowed to pass naturally.
This approach is commonly known as ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy.
Ureteroscopy or another stone treatment?
There is no single treatment that is best for every stone.
Depending on your circumstances, treatment options may include:
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Observation and allowing the stone to pass naturally
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Medical treatment to assist stone passage where appropriate
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Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL)
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Ureteroscopy and laser stone treatment
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Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
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A combination of treatments for particularly complex or large stones
During your consultation, the scan findings and treatment options will be discussed with you so that an appropriate treatment plan can be made.
What is keyhole kidney stone surgery?
The term "keyhole kidney stone surgery" is often used to describe minimally invasive procedures used to remove kidney stones without traditional open surgery.
Ureteroscopy is one of the principal keyhole techniques.
For larger kidney stones, another procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may sometimes be more appropriate. PCNL involves making a small access tract through the skin into the kidney, allowing larger stones to be removed directly.
The choice between ureteroscopy, PCNL and other treatment options depends mainly on the stone's size, location and characteristics.
What happens after the stone is treated?
Removing the stone is only part of the treatment.
Depending on the type of stone and your circumstances, further assessment may be recommended to understand why the stone formed and how the risk of future stones can be reduced.
This may include analysis of the stone and appropriate blood or urine investigations.
Advice regarding hydration, diet and prevention of recurrent stone disease can then be tailored to your individual circumstances.
Why choose specialist endourological treatment?
Modern stone surgery aims to achieve effective stone clearance while minimising discomfort, hospital stay and recovery time.
As an endourology specialist, Mr Yehia Abdallah has a particular interest in minimally invasive procedures for urinary tract conditions, including kidney and ureteric stones.
Treatment is planned around the individual patient, taking into account the stone burden, location, anatomy, symptoms and previous treatment.
Kidney stone surgery in Wrexham, Chester and Shrewsbury
If you have been diagnosed with a kidney or ureteric stone and would like to discuss your treatment options, Mr Mohamed Yehia Abdallah can assess your symptoms and imaging and advise on the most appropriate approach.