Ureteropyeloscopy

ABOUT URETEROPYELOSCOPY

What is ureteropyeloscopy?

A ureteropyeloscopy is a procedure to look inside the ureter and the kidney, by passing a small telescope (a ureteroscope) through the urethra (waterpipe).

Why is a ureteropyeloscopy required?

Ureteropyeloscopy is performed to investigate and treat problems with your kidney and ureter, including:

- To remove kidney stones from the kidney or ureter.
- To investigate a blockage in the ureter.
- To investigate bleeding from the kidney or ureter.
- To investigate and/or biopsy 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.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the kidney. These abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour that can spread to other parts of the body.

PATIENT JOURNEY

What does a ureteropyeloscopy involve?

A ureteropyeloscopy is performed under general anaesthetic (completely asleep).

We pass a small telescope through the urethra (waterpipe) and bladder, into the ureter which leads to the kidney.

If we find a kidney stone, the stone can be broken up into small fragments with a laser (pictured). Any remaining fragments can be removed by grabbing them with a basket.

What does a ureteropyeloscopy involve?

If we find a blockage, a mass, or a cause for bleeding, we can take a biopsy and/or cauterise the area of concern.

A ureteric stent may be inserted at the end of the procedure. This is a long, thin hollow plastic tube which runs from the kidney, through the ureter, into the bladder. It allows urine to drain from the kidney to the bladder after the procedure.

A catheter (tube through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine) may be placed at the end of the procedure.

What is the recovery after a ureteropyeloscopy?

You will usually need to stay in the hospital for one night after the procedure, although sometimes the procedure is performed as a day surgery.

If you have a catheter, it will usually be removed on the first day after the procedure.

If you have a ureteric stent inserted at the time of the ureteropyeloscopy, it usually needs to be removed a few days to weeks after the procedure. Usually, the stent is removed by cystoscopy (look into the bladder with a telescope). Sometimes the stent is attached to a fine string coming out of the urethra and is removed by pulling on the string.