What Happens During Female Ureteroscopy for Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can be incredibly painful and disruptive, especially for women. When traditional methods like medication or lifestyle changes are not effective, a female ureteroscopy may be recommended as a treatment option.

This minimally invasive procedure can help remove kidney stones and alleviate discomfort. If you're considering this procedure, it's natural to have questions and concerns about what to expect.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of female ureteroscopy for kidney stones, from preparation to recovery.

Understanding Female Ureteroscopy Procedure

Female ureteroscopy is a procedure used to remove kidney stones that are stuck in the ureter, the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder.

During the procedure, a thin, flexible scope called a ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra and bladder into the ureter. This allows the surgeon to locate and remove the kidney stones using specialized tools.

Female ureteroscopy is typically done under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure.

• The ureteroscope is equipped with a small camera that allows the surgeon to see inside the ureter and locate the kidney stones.
• Once the stones are identified, they can be broken up using a laser or other tools and then extracted through the scope.
• Female ureteroscopy is considered a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it involves small incisions or entry points, resulting in less pain and a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.

What Happens During Female Ureteroscopy

Before the procedure, you will likely be asked to fast for a certain period to ensure your stomach is empty. This is important to prevent any complications during anesthesia.

On the day of the procedure, you will be taken to the operating room, where the anesthesia will be administered to put you to sleep.

Once you are unconscious, the urologist will begin the female ureteroscopy by inserting the scope into your urethra and advancing it to the ureter.

As the surgeon navigates the ureteroscope through your urinary tract, they will carefully examine the walls of the ureter and locate the kidney stones. If the stones are small enough, they may be removed in one piece.

However, if they are larger, they may need to be broken up using a laser or other tools before extraction. The entire procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and number of kidney stones.

Female Ureteroscopy Recovery

After the procedure is complete, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored closely as you wake up from anesthesia.

It is normal to experience some discomfort, such as mild pain or burning sensation when urinating, for a few days after female ureteroscopy.

Your healthcare team will provide pain medication to help manage any discomfort and may also recommend drinking plenty of water to help flush out any remaining stone fragments.

Most women can go home the same day as the procedure, but it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few days to allow your body to heal.

You may be advised to avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise during the recovery period. Follow-up appointments with your urologist may be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure that the kidney stones have been completely removed.

Risks and Benefits of Female Ureteroscopy

Like any medical procedure, female ureteroscopy carries certain risks and benefits that should be considered. Some potential risks of the procedure include infection, bleeding, ureteral injury, or scarring.

However, these complications are rare and can usually be managed effectively by your healthcare team. The benefits of female ureteroscopy include a high success rate in removing kidney stones, minimal scarring, and a faster recovery time compared to traditional surgery.

By discussing the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider, you can make an informed decision about whether female ureteroscopy is the right treatment option for you.

It is important to communicate any concerns or questions you may have with your urologist to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in your decision.

Female ureteroscopy for kidney stones is a safe and effective procedure that can help alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by kidney stones.

By understanding what to expect during the procedure, you can approach it with confidence and peace of mind.

If you have any further questions or concerns about female ureteroscopy, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for more information.