Dr. Shaleen Sharma
Urologist Surgeon
View ProfileWhile kidney stones often garner the spotlight, stones can also form in the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. These ureteral stones can cause significant pain, blockage, and discomfort. Fortunately, Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy (URSL) offers a minimally invasive solution for effectively removing these stones.
At Meerut Urologist, Dr. Shaleen Sharma and Dr. Sarat Chandra Garg, our renowned urologist, understand the importance of providing patients with effective and minimally disruptive treatment options for ureteral stones. We are proud to offer URSL as a viable solution for many patients, ensuring efficient stone removal with minimal recovery time.
URSL utilizes a thin, flexible instrument called a ureteroscope to visualize and remove stones lodged within the ureter. The ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra and bladder, navigating its way up the ureter to reach the stone.
Laser energy or pneumatic lithotripsy is then used to fragment the stone into smaller pieces, which are either extracted with a basket or allowed to pass naturally through urine. URSL is a highly effective technique for stone removal, offering patients reduced recovery times and minimal discomfort compared to traditional surgical approaches.
Ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL), also known as ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy, is a minimally invasive procedure for treating kidney stones lodged in the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. A thin, flexible scope with a camera and laser is inserted through the urethra and bladder to locate the stone. The laser can then fragment the stone into dust or smaller pieces that can easily pass or be extracted with a basket.
Source: National Institutes of Health
This innovative approach offers several benefits:
The suitability for URSL is determined by several factors, including:
Stone size and location: Generally, URSL is suitable for stones located within the ureter, regardless of size.
Overall health: Certain medical conditions may influence candidacy, and Dr. Sharma or Dr. Garg will assess your individual circumstances during a consultation.
URSL is typically performed under general anesthesia. Here's a brief overview of the procedure:
Pre-operative consultation: You will meet with Dr. Sharma or Dr. Garg to discuss your medical history, symptoms, and suitability for URSL. They will explain the procedure in detail, answer your questions, and address any concerns you may have.
Preparation: Imaging studies may be conducted to determine the precise location and size of the stones.
The procedure: Under general anesthesia, the ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra and bladder, navigating its way up the ureter to reach the stone.
Stone removal: Once visualized, various techniques like laser energy or basket retrieval can be used to fragment or remove the stone.
After the procedure, you will be monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home or transferred to your hospital room for observation. Most patients typically experience minimal discomfort and recover quickly. Recovery after Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy (URSL) is typically swift, with most patients able to resume their normal activities within a day or two following the procedure. While some individuals may experience mild discomfort or urinary symptoms such as frequency or urgency for a short period afterward, these symptoms generally subside quickly. It's important for patients to stay well-hydrated and follow any post-operative instructions provided by their healthcare provider to facilitate the passage of stone fragments and promote optimal recovery.
At Meerut Urologist, we are committed to providing patients with advanced and effective treatment options for ureteral stones. Here's why you should choose us for URSL:
Experienced and skilled urologist: Dr. Shaleen Sharma and Dr. Sarat Chandra Garg possess extensive experience in performing URSL procedures, ensuring safe and effective stone removal with this minimally invasive technique.
Advanced technology: We utilize state-of-the-art ureteroscopes and other equipment for precise stone visualization and efficient removal.
Personalized care: We are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care throughout your entire treatment journey. Our team will ensure you are informed and involved in the decision-making process, addressing any concerns you may have.
If you are experiencing symptoms of ureteral stones or have questions about URSL, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Sharma or Dr. Garg at Meerut Urologist. We are here to help you explore treatment options and guide you towards a path to optimal health.