Uretero-pyeloscopy

Procedures we perform

ABOUT URETEROPYELOSCOPY

What is a uretero-pyeloscopy?

A uretero-pyeloscopy is a procedure to look inside the kidney and ureter (the tube draining urine from the kidney to the bladder).

It is performed by passing a small telescope (a ureteroscope or pyeloscope) through the urethra (waterpipe).

Why is a uretero-pyeloscopy required?

Uretero-pyeloscopy is performed to investigate and treat problems with the kidney and ureter.

Uretero-pyeloscopy may be performed:

To remove kidney stones from the kidney or ureter by fragmenting them with a laser (laser lithotripsy).

To investigate a blockage in the ureter.

To investigate bleeding from the kidney or ureter.

To investigate a mass in the kidney or ureter.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are rock-like crystals which form in the kidneys from the salts and minerals in urine. Kidney stones can cause pain when the flow of urine is blocked by a stone which has moved from the kidney into the ureter.

PUJO Obstruction

PUJ obstruction (also known as pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction) is a blockage at the junction where the renal pelvis of the kidney meets the ureter. When this junction is blocked or narrowed urine cannot flow freely from the kidney to the bladder.

Blood in urine

Blood in urine, also known as haematuria, causes the urine to look red, pink, or cola-coloured.

PATIENT JOURNEY

What does a uretero-pyeloscopy involve?

A small telescope is passed through the urethra (waterpipe), bladder, and ureter, into the kidney.

If a kidney stone is found, the stone can be broken up into small fragments with a laser.

If a mass or other abnormality is found, a biopsy can be taken.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic.

What is the recovery after a uretero-pyeloscopy?

Uretero-pyeloscopy usually requires a one night stay in hospital. Sometimes it can be performed as a day procedure.

A ureteric stent (a flexible tube running from the kidney to the bladder) may be inserted during the procedure. It will usually require a minor procedure to remove it a few weeks later.

You can usually return to most activities a few days after a uretero-pyeloscopy.