Ureteroscopy

Endoscopic exploration of the ureter and kidney through the natural passages, for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

What is it?

Ureteroscopy is an endoscopic technique for exploring the inside of the ureter (the duct connecting the kidney to the bladder) and the kidney cavities, passing through the natural passages. It requires no incision. Performed with a rigid or flexible ureteroscope depending on the area to be reached, it makes it possible both to diagnose certain abnormalities (stone, narrowing, lesion of the wall) and to treat them at the same time: laser fragmentation of a stone, taking a biopsy, treating a narrowing. The flexible ureteroscope, thanks to its steerable tip, provides access to all the kidney cavities with great precision, including hard-to-reach areas. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, ureteroscopy is performed in the operating theater with complete endoscopic equipment (flexible and rigid ureteroscopes, laser), by experienced urologists, most often during a short hospital stay.

When is it indicated?

Stone in the ureter or kidney requiring fragmentation

The ureteroscope travels up through the natural passages to the stone, which is then fragmented with the laser under direct vision, without any incision.

Exploration of an abnormality seen on imaging

When a CT scan or ultrasound shows an unusual image in the ureter or kidney, endoscopic exploration allows it to be seen directly and its nature clarified.

Investigating the cause of urinary bleeding

The presence of blood in the urine must always be explained. Ureteroscopy allows the entire urinary tract to be inspected to find its origin.

Biopsy of a lesion of the urinary tract

If a lesion is discovered on the wall of the ureter or kidney cavities, a small sample is taken at the same time for microscopic analysis.

Treatment of certain narrowings of the ureter

A narrowed passage in the ureter can obstruct the flow of urine. Some narrowings can be treated directly endoscopically, without open surgery.

Preparation

1Recent urine analysis: the urine must be sterile

2Preoperative imaging to guide the procedure

3Anesthesia consultation

4Fasting for 6 hours before the procedure

Procedure

General anesthesia in most cases

Introduction of the ureteroscope through the urethra and then the bladder, without any incision

Advancement under visual control to the area to be explored

Diagnostic or therapeutic procedure as appropriate (laser, biopsy, extraction)

Possible placement of a temporary internal stent

Monitoring in the recovery room

Duration

30 minutes to 1 hour

Aftercare & Recovery

Recovery is generally straightforward, with a return home the same day or the next day. Mild urinary burning or slight bleeding may occur for a few days. The results of any samples taken are communicated at the follow-up consultation.

Risks and side effects

Temporary burning when urinating

Mild, short-lived urinary bleeding

Temporary discomfort if an internal stent is in place, removed at a consultation

These risks remain rare. Your surgeon will inform you in detail before the procedure.

Request a Quote

Request a Quote +216 36 402 000

At a glance

Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Preparation: Required

Dedicated specialist team

Other procedures

Radical prostatectomy TURP Nephrectomy Kidney stones Cystectomy

All procedures