Symptoms/Conditions Treated

• Severe flank or abdominal pain due to stones

• Recurrent urinary tract infections

• Blood in urine

• Pain or difficulty in urination

• Obstruction of urinary flow

Types of Ureteroscopy

1. Rigid Ureteroscopy

   • Uses a rigid ureteroscope

   • Common for lower ureter stones

   • Requires general or spinal anesthesia

2. Flexible Ureteroscopy (RIRS – Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery)

   • Uses a flexible ureteroscope to access kidney and ureter

   • Effective for upper ureter or kidney stones

   • Laser lithotripsy often used to fragment stones

Procedure Overview

1. Pre-procedure

   • Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT KUB (Kidney-Ureter-Bladder) scan

   • Blood and urine investigations

   • Anesthesia (general or spinal) administered

2. During the Procedure

   • Ureteroscope inserted via the urethra and bladder

   • Stones located and fragmented using a laser (Holmium:YAG) or removed with baskets

   • Stent placement may be required to facilitate urine flow and healing

3. Post-procedure Care

   • Usually done as a day-care or short hospital stay (1–2 days)

   • Mild burning or blood in urine may occur temporarily

   • Stent removal after 1–2 weeks if placed

Benefits of Ureteroscopy

• Minimally invasive (no surgical cuts)

• High success rate in stone removal

• Suitable for patients not responding to shock wave lithotripsy (SWL)

• Can treat both diagnostic and therapeutic needs

• Short hospital stay and quick recovery

Ureteroscopy (URS) Cost in India

Table 1: Average Ureteroscopy Cost in India

Factors Affecting Cost

• Type of URS – Rigid vs Flexible

• Stone size and location

• Use of laser technology (Holmium:YAG)

• Hospital type – corporate hospitals in metro cities cost more

• Need for stent placement or additional procedures

• Surgeon’s expertise

Who Should Consider URS?

• Patients with ureteric or kidney stones that do not pass naturally

• Those with persistent urinary tract obstruction

• Individuals with recurrent hematuria

• Patients not suitable for ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy)

• People with ureteric strictures or small tumors requiring biopsy or removal