Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy (URSL) surgery in Chennai

Suffering from kidney stones? We feel you. Kidney stones are hard deposits made of salts and minerals that form inside the kidneys and can be found lodged anywhere in the urinary tract, be it the kidneys, bladder, or ureters

Kidney stones may not cause any symptoms until they move around within the kidney or pass into one of the ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys and bladder). If the stone becomes lodged in the ureters, it can block the flow of urine and cause symptoms such as pain in the side and back, below the ribs, and radiating to the lower abdomen and groin. The pain may come in waves and you may also feel a burning sensation when peeing. 

Among the many treatment options available to treat kidney stones is a procedure called ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) in Chennai. Let’s find out more about the procedure.

Ureteroscopic lithotripsy in Chennai is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to locate and treat kidney stones in the ureter and kidneys. The procedure is also known as URSL or ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy (ULL). It is required when the kidney stones are untreatable by medicines or other non-surgical options.

The term “ureteroscopic” indicates that a thin, lighted scope called a ureteroscope is inserted into the ureter via the urethra and bladder to locate the stones. Further, the term “lithotripsy” indicates that this procedure includes the physical destruction of kidney stones via a laser. 

URSL has a highly successful stone passage rate and causes minimal complications. A precise laser is used to break up stones stuck in the ureteral passage. Stones less than 2 cm in diameter (small to medium size) can be effectively removed with URSL, giving way to relief from pain and urinary retention. 

Note that ureteroscopic lithotripsy and stent placement go hand in hand. A stent is a small piece of plastic placed in the ureter that keeps the ureter open following surgery. Ureteroscopic lithotripsy is followed by stent placement for the easy passage of stone fragments.

Those with the following conditions can benefit from ureteroscopic lithotripsy in Chennai:

• When kidney stone symptoms don’t reduce even after 1-2 weeks.
• When medicines are ineffective in flushing out stones.
• When pain intensity keeps on rising even after the use of home remedies.
• When the stones are too large to pass out of the body naturally.

Diagnostic tests to be carried out for ureteroscopic lithotripsy include:

• Physical examination
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Blood coagulation profile
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
• Imaging tests (abdominal ultrasound, MRI, X-rays)
• Blood test
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test
• Urinalysis

The tests help determine underlying diseases and the size, number, and location of the stones.

Inform the doctor about altering the dose of your daily medicines as some medications like blood thinners may need to be stopped before the procedure to avoid potential complications.

• Discuss your symptoms, medical history, and the treatment procedure along with its benefits and risks in advance with the doctor.
• Avoid eating and drinking 6-8 hours prior to the procedure to avoid complications.
• Stop smoking or using any tobacco product before the procedure.

The ureteroscopic lithotripsy procedure involves the following steps: 

• General anesthesia is used in most cases of ureteroscopic lithotripsy, though spinal anesthesia may also be used. 
• The surgeon inserts a ureteroscope into the urethral passage through the urethra. Under X-ray guidance, the ureteroscope is used to see the ureters and kidneys from the inside and locate the stones.
• If the stone is small in size, it can be collected in a basket device and pulled out whole from the ureter or kidney.
• If the stone is large, the surgeon uses a precision laser to break it into smaller fragments. These small pieces can then be removed from the ureter or kidney using a basket device. If the fragmented pieces are too small to be picked up by the basket device, they can be allowed to naturally pass out via urine. 

For this, ureteral stent placement is recommended together with the URSL procedure. Ureteral stents are plastic pieces placed in the ureter to expand the ureteral passage, which allows the stone to easily travel through the ureter, finally moving out of the body.

• Ureteroscopic lithotripsy is usually an outpatient procedure. However, some patients may require an overnight hospital stay.
• You will be shifted to a recovery room where doctors will monitor your condition. You will be discharged on the same day if you are not in excessive pain and are able to urinate. 
• Before you go home, the doctor may prescribe pain-relief medications and oral antibiotics. They will also discuss the follow-up appointment schedule and the date of removal of the stent. 
• After ureteroscopic lithotripsy, some pain and discomfort are normal. Most of the pain may be a result of stent insertion.
• You may also notice blood in the urine. This is also very normal and begins to subside on its own in a few days.

The following tips can help further with the recovery:

• Once you are home after the surgery, eat a healthy diet. Drink plenty of fluids (to flush out stone pieces and blood). Consume a fiber-rich diet. Reduce the intake of oxalate-rich foods, animal proteins, and salt to prevent the recurrence of kidney stones. 
• Avoid heavy workouts for some days until your doctor deems you fit for them.
• Attend all follow-up sessions. Keep the doctor informed of your progress.
• Contact your doctor immediately in case of abnormal symptoms such as constant pain, fever, other symptoms of an infection, pain while passing urine, inability to pass urine, blood in urine, or falling out of the stent. 
• You can resume your normal routine within 5 to 7 days, though the stent may prolong the time of full recovery.

Also Read: Hydrocele

URSL effectively and safely offers you respite from the pain of kidney stones. 

Benefits

It is a modern, minimally invasive technique that involves no cuts or stitches. This keeps things more comfortable for the patient. Other benefits of ureteroscopic lithotripsy include:

• Less or no bleeding during the surgery
• Minimal complications
• Faster recovery
• Shorter hospital stay
• No scars
• Resumption of daily activities within a week

Risks

Below are some other risks and complications possible after ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these:

• Bleeding, infection, or injury to the ureter. 
• Burning sensation during urination
• Persistent fever with or without chills
• Extreme pain in the lower back
• Urgency of urination
• Decreased frequency of urination
• Haematuria
• Fever (higher than 101 degrees F) 

Note: Irrespective of the type of the procedure (cystoscopy left ureteroscopy laser lithotripsy, cystoscopy right ureteroscopy laser lithotripsy, or bilateral ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy) URSL/ULL is overall a safe and effective procedure for kidney stone removal with many advantages.

Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty tasks of finding the best hospital, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest costs. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health & recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!