A plain-English guide to scope-based stone treatment, how the laser breaks stones, the temporary stent, and what recovery involves.
Written by our medical board, reviewed quarterlyUpdated 21 January 19707 min read
What ureteroscopy treats
Ureteroscopy is a scope-based procedure used mainly to treat stones in the ureter and kidney. A thin, flexible or rigid scope is passed up through the urethra and bladder to reach the stone directly, so there is no external incision. It can also be used to inspect the urinary tract and take biopsies when a tumour is suspected.
It is often chosen when a stone is unlikely to pass on its own, when shock-wave lithotripsy has failed or is unsuitable, or when a single, reliable clearance is preferred. It works well for stones that are too hard or too low in the ureter for ESWL.
As with all stone treatment, the right approach is decided by your imaging — the stone's size, hardness and position. A clinic should review your actual CT scan before recommending ureteroscopy over the alternatives.
How the procedure works
Ureteroscopy is usually done under general or spinal anaesthesia as a day case or with a single overnight stay. The surgeon advances the scope to the stone and either removes it whole with a tiny basket or, more often, breaks it up with a Holmium or thulium laser into fragments small enough to pass or extract.
For stones high in the kidney, a flexible scope is steered into the kidney's collecting system, sometimes through a protective sheath. The combination of a flexible scope and a modern laser allows even quite hard stones to be cleared reliably in one session in many cases.
At the end, a temporary ureteric stent is frequently left in place to keep the ureter open and allow swelling to settle. This stent is a normal part of the procedure and is removed a week or two later.
Cost and what is included
A ureteroscopy package typically covers the surgeon and anaesthetist, theatre and scope time, the laser, any stent, imaging, and follow-up checks before you fly home. It generally costs more than shock-wave lithotripsy because of the equipment and anaesthesia, but often clears the stone in a single session.
At major medical-tourism centres it commonly falls in the low-to-mid thousands of euros, typically well below comparable private fees in higher-cost countries. Costs rise if more than one stone is treated or both sides are done.
The most important cost question is stent removal. A stent left after ureteroscopy must come out, usually one to two weeks later in a quick clinic procedure, so check whether removal is included and whether you will have it done before flying or arrange it at home.
Choosing a clinic
Ureteroscopy is equipment- and skill-led, so confirm the clinic uses modern flexible scopes and a Holmium or thulium laser rather than older gear. Ask the urologist what stone-free rate they expect for your stone in a single session, and whether a stent will be needed.
Prefer hospitals with recognised accreditation such as JCI, TEMOS or ISO 9001 and a board-certified urologist who performs a high volume of endourology. Experience reduces the small risk of injury to the delicate ureter and improves clearance rates.
Ask how a removed or passed stone is analysed, since stone analysis guides prevention, and confirm the clinic will share the result and a plan with your home doctor. A clear plan for stent removal is also a marker of a well-organised clinic.
Recovery and the stent
Recovery from ureteroscopy itself is usually quick — most people go home the same day or after one night and can fly within a day or two. Mild burning when passing urine, blood-tinged urine and a feeling of needing to urinate often are common for a few days.
The stent, if one is placed, is the main source of discomfort. It can cause urinary urgency, frequency, a little blood and a dragging sensation in the flank, especially with activity, until it is removed one to two weeks later. Good fluid intake and the medications the clinic provides ease these symptoms.
Most people return to light activity within a few days and avoid strenuous exercise for a week or two. Plan your travel around stent removal, since leaving a stent in too long is not safe and it must be removed on schedule.
Risks and follow-up
Ureteroscopy is generally safe, but possible issues include urinary infection, blood in the urine, and irritation or, less commonly, injury to the ureter such as a small tear or, rarely, a later narrowing (stricture). Stent symptoms are common but temporary. A small amount of stone may occasionally be left and need a further session.
Because many people form repeat stones, removal should be paired with prevention — stone analysis, fluid and dietary advice, and sometimes metabolic tests. Ask the clinic to share these so your home doctor can act on them.
Before travelling, agree what happens if infection, pain or a retained stent becomes a problem after you fly home, and confirm exactly who will remove the stent and when. Medical-travel insurance covering complications is advisable.
Frequently asked
Is ureteroscopy better than lithotripsy?
For hard, large or low ureteric stones it often clears the stone in a single session, where shock-wave lithotripsy may need repeating. The best choice depends on your specific stone.
Will I have a stent afterwards?
Often yes. A temporary ureteric stent is commonly left to keep the ureter open and is removed one to two weeks later in a quick clinic procedure.
Is the stent uncomfortable?
It can be. Many people notice urinary urgency, frequency, a little blood and a flank ache until the stent is removed. Fluids and the clinic's medication help.
How soon can I fly home?
Usually within a day or two, but plan your travel around stent removal, since the stent must come out on schedule rather than be left in place.
Will the stone be completely cleared?
Often in a single session, especially with a laser, though occasionally a small fragment remains and needs another procedure. A follow-up check confirms clearance.
Is blood in the urine normal afterwards?
Yes, blood-tinged urine and mild burning are common for a few days. Heavy bleeding, fever or severe pain needs prompt medical attention.
