Ureteroscopy With Laser Lithotripsy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Ureteroscopy With Laser Lithotripsy?
A urologist, a doctor who treats the urinary tract, performs ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy. The urologist uses a small lighted scope to look inside the ureters, the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. A laser can break up kidney stones. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Ureteroscopy can help diagnose and treat problems in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones. It is done with a ureteroscope, which is a small tube, either rigid or flexible, with a tiny light and camera on the end.
Why a doctor might recommend it
The most common reason for ureteroscopy is treating stones in the kidney or ureter.
Ureteroscopy can also be used to:
- Check for cancer.
- Examine or remove a growth or tumor.
- Examine areas of the ureters that have become narrow.
- Diagnose repeated urinary tract infections and other problems.
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- Tell your surgeon what medicines you take, including ones you bought without a prescription.
- Tell your surgeon if you are pregnant or think you may be.
- You may be asked not to eat or drink anything after the midnight before your procedure.
- You may need to stop certain medicines for a while, such as aspirin or other blood thinners. Do not stop taking any prescription medicines unless your surgeon tells you to stop.
- Ask your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of your surgery.
- A urine test is done to make sure there is no urinary tract infection.
What happens during it
You are given general anesthesia, which is medicine that allows you to sleep. The procedure usually takes 1 hour. The scope is inserted through the urethra, into the bladder, and then up into the ureter. The surgeon can then grab and remove stones, or break them up using a laser. The surgeon may place a stent in the ureter to allow urine and small pieces of kidney stone to pass through.
Recovery
You can go home once you are awake and can urinate. You can typically go home the same day.
At home, the following may apply.
- You will need to rest for 24 hours, with someone staying with you.
- Your surgeon will likely prescribe medicines to take at home, which may include a pain medicine and an antibiotic to prevent infection. Take these as instructed.
- Drink at least 4 to 6 glasses of water a day to dilute your urine and help flush out your urinary tract.
- Blood in your urine for several days after the procedure is normal.
- If your surgeon placed a stent, you may feel pain in your side, especially during and right after urination.
You will likely feel better in about 5 to 7 days. If you have a stent, it may take longer.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or fainting.
Risks and side effects
Risks for this procedure include the following.
- Injury of the ureter or kidney.
- Urinary tract infection.
- Narrowing or scarring of the ureter.
Risks of surgery and anesthesia in general include a reaction to medicines, bleeding, blood clots, and infection. Minor problems include blood in the urine, a mild urinary tract infection, and discomfort from the stent. Severe problems can happen, though they are rare.
Who performs it
A urologist, a doctor who treats the urinary tract, performs this procedure.
Common questions
What is a ureteral stent?
A ureteral stent is a thin flexible tube that the urologist may leave in your urinary tract to help urine flow or a stone to pass. If you have a stent, you will need to return to have it removed in 1 or 2 weeks.
How is ureteroscopy different from percutaneous nephrolithotomy?
With ureteroscopy, the doctor goes through the urethra to see the urinary tract. With percutaneous nephrolithotomy, the doctor goes directly into your kidney through a small cut made in your back. After percutaneous nephrolithotomy, you may have to stay in the hospital for several days.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Ureteroscopy
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Treatment for Kidney Stones
- NCBI Bookshelf, StatPearls - Ureteroscopy
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
