Flexible ureteroscopy is the method in which a small fibroptic instrument called an Ureteroscope is passed inside the ureter through the urethra and the urinary bladder. The technique is used for the patients who are suffering from kidney stones. The technique is helpful in the removal of kidney stones effectively that are not able to pass through the urinary tract.

Generally, the renal outcome, stone composition, and body habit plays a major role in determining the outcome of the procedure and its operative approach.

With new technologies replacing the older ones Ureteroscopes has also improved in terms of utereoscope size, deflection capability, video imaging, miniature basket, and instruments.

Most of the kidney stone removal surgeries are done using Ureteroscopic technique.

Need of Flexible Ureteroscopy for Kidney Stones
The technique is recommended by doctors to identify the root cause of the problem related to the urinary tract. The technique is also used as a part of shock wave lithotripsy. The technique is found to be helpful for:

• • Ladies who are pregnant.
  • People who are obese.
  • People who have blood clotting problems.

Risk Associated With the Technique
It is an outpatient procedure that involves minimum complications including:

• • Some amount of bleeding or injury to the ureters.
  • Sometimes infections that generally goes with prescribed antibiotics.
  • Pain and slight discomfort during passage of urine.

How Does The Procedure Work?
To start with the treatment doctors give anaesthesia to the patient that is the patient shall be asleep throughout the treatment. Then the urologist passes the tip of the ureteroscope along the urinary tract that reaches the place where the stone is present. Once inside, a sterile solution is released that fills the bladder that makes the inner scene clearer. The urologist observes the urinary tract effectively takes tissue for biopsy if required. For breakdown of stones, laser waves are released from the ureteroscope to break them. The whole procedure takes about 30 minutes.

• • You recover after 1-4 hours as the anaesthesia effect removes.
  • The urologist asks you to drink plenty of water during next 2-3 hours.

What To Expect After The Treatment?
Recovery from the procedure is generally rapid. The urologist prescribes you with some pain killers and antibiotics to prevent infections. Sometimes the urologist places a stent in the ureters to prevent their collapse, this may sometimes cause discomfort during passage of urine but subsides after some time.

You can reduce the chances of further formation of stones by altering your diet and fluid intake.