Ureteroscopy

A ureteroscopy is performed under a general anaesthetic, meaning you’ll be asleep during the procedure. It normally takes less than an hour and is usually performed as a day case procedure, meaning you’ll be able to go home later the same day. 

A ureteroscopy involves inserting a narrow, rigid or flexible tube called a ureteroscope into your urethra (the tube from which urine leaves your body). The tube is then moved into your bladder and ureter while your surgeon examines them through a special lens. 

During a ureteroscopy: 

1. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your surgeon will insert the ureteroscope into your urethra and up into your bladder and ureters.

2. Your surgeon will examine your ureters and kidneys for any stones, growths or other abnormalities. 

3. If any abnormalities are found, your consultant may take a biopsy or use a laser to break up a kidney stone or destroy a small tumour.

4. Kidney stone fragments may be removed or left to pass out of your body on their own. 

5. A temporary stent may be inserted to keep your ureter open while it’s healing.

A ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, and complications are rare. However, as with any medical procedure, there’s a small risk that complications or side effects can occur. 

Your consultant will explain all the potential risks of your treatment before your ureteroscopy and answer any questions you may have. 

Possible complications of a ureteroscopy may include: 

• infection

• bleeding 

• injury to the ureter

• scarring 

• narrowing of the urethra

Your urologist will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your ureteroscopy.

Tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have, and any medications you take regularly. 

You may need to: 

• stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a few days before your procedure. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding

• if you’re having a general anaesthetic, you won’t be able to eat or drink anything for several hours before your ureteroscopy. Your consultant will give you instructions on this

• around a week before your ureteroscopy, you may need to have a blood test, chest X-ray, and ECG to check your general health and ensure you’re fit enough to undergo a general anaesthetic

Your consultant will give you instructions to follow during your recovery. They will arrange a follow-up appointment with you to check your progress and determine whether any further treatment is necessary. 

You can usually go home once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. 

Please arrange for someone to collect you from the hospital as you won’t be able to drive after your procedure, or for 24 hours following a general anaesthetic. 

You may have some discomfort when passing urine or pain in your bladder or kidneys for a few days after your ureteroscopy. Take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if you need to. A warm bath can also help relieve any pain. 

You may also notice some blood in your urine or need to pass urine urgently or more frequently than usual. This will resolve after the stent is removed. Drinking more fluids can help relieve your symptoms. 

If you had a stent inserted, this is usually removed under local anaesthetic a week or 2 after your surgery.

Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 2 days after your ureteroscopy. Most people return to light activities within a week and can resume normal activities within a couple of weeks. 

If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, please contact the clinic for advice.

Please contact our Urology centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our urologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a ureteroscopy, you must be referred by either your GP or a urologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a urologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.