What is ureteroscopy?

The surgeon, often a urologist, doesn't make any incisions (cuts in the body) for this procedure. He or she first inserts a thin viewing instrument (ureteroscope) into the urethra (the tube that leads from the outside of the body to the bladder). Then, the doctor passes the ureteroscope through the bladder and the ureter, to get to where the kidney stone is located.

• The urologist removes the kidney stone with forceps or by using an instrument with a "basket" that grabs the stone.
• Smaller stones can be removed all in one piece. Larger stones may need to be broken up before they can be removed.
• Several types of instruments are available to break up stones. But most urologists prefer to use a laser.

The urologist can also use the ureteroscope to reach a kidney stone that is stuck in the ureter just after it leaves the kidney. He or she may then try to push the stone back up into the kidney. After the stone is back in the kidney, the stone may be broken up using lithotripsy.