Stones

Urinary stones (calculi) are hardened mineral deposits that form in the kidney. Salt crystals form when the urine becomes highly concentrated and can grow in size if they fail to pass through the urinary tract. If they become large enough they may cause obstruction to the urinary drainage pathway resulting in pain and bleeding. Sometimes this may be complicated by infection and loss of kidney function.

A ureteroscope is a long, thin instrument which is either rigid or flexible and has an inbuilt camera, light and working channel to allow the passage of instruments. It is inserted through the urethra (urinary outflow pipe), into the bladder and up into the ureter (the long funnel connecting the kidney and bladder). A laser fibre is introduced through the working channel to fragment the stone and the fragments are retrieved using a grasper or basket retrieval device. It is the preferred choice of intervention for ureteric stones requiring treatment.

This approach avoids the need for an incision, is very successful and can often be performed as day surgery. It does however require an anaesthetic and carries a small risk of introducing infection or damaging the ureter (0.5%).

Have a question? Get in touch.

Our team is more than happy to discuss your health and the potential treatment options available to you.

Phone: (09) 309 0912
Email: info@aucklandurologist.co.nz