Cystoscopy with laser lithotripsy

The cystoscope first provides access through the urethra and bladder. If the stone lies in a ureter or kidney, a ureteroscope may then be advanced to it. A fine laser fibre delivers energy directly to the stone, and the clinician may retrieve fragments with a small basket or leave fine material to pass in urine.

The approach depends on the stone’s location, size, hardness and the anatomy of the urinary tract. Treatment may be completed in one session or staged if access is difficult, infection is a concern or clearing every fragment at once is not appropriate. This does not by itself indicate a complication.

A ureteric stent may be placed to keep urine draining while irritation or swelling improves. The stent is temporary and requires a defined removal or exchange plan. The operative team can tell you whether it has an external thread and what sensations are expected while it remains in place.

Follow fasting directions, arrange transport after anaesthesia and bring an accurate medicine and allergy list. Tell the team about fever, urinary infection symptoms or pregnancy before the procedure. Blood thinners and diabetes medicines need an individual plan; do not alter them based on general instructions.

At home, take prescribed medicines correctly, observe any activity limits and follow your fluid advice. Temporary burning, urgency, pink urine and passage of tiny fragments may occur. Strain urine only if your team requests it. If you have a stent, attend the scheduled removal or exchange and do not pull a thread unless explicitly instructed.

Call the treating service for pain that is increasing or not controlled by the prescribed plan, heavier bleeding or clots, repeated vomiting, difficulty keeping fluids down, or a stent that moves unexpectedly. New urinary symptoms accompanied by feeling unwell also need prompt advice.

Get urgent medical assessment for inability to pass urine, fever with shaking chills, severe side or abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, marked confusion or breathing difficulty. Tell the emergency team that you recently had urinary tract instrumentation and whether a stent is still present.

Ask where the stone is, whether the plan includes ureteroscopy, how fragments will be managed and whether another session might be needed. Confirm the expected stent plan, result and follow-up arrangements, activity restrictions, and the contact route for uncontrolled pain or fever.