Within the bladder are two opening that bring urine down from the kidney (ureter). Although unlikely, it is possible to injure the ureter by direct laser firing or by scope trauma. This rare event usually requires a ureteral stent to facilitate ureteral healing.

Laser lithotripsy is often performed by a urologist during a ureteroscopy. They’ll insert a flexible laser fiber through a scope (a long tube with a camera on it) into your urinary tract to break up stones. They’ll remove the stone fragments with a small basket or other instruments.

Stent removal. The stent is typically removed 5-14 days after your last stone surgery. The stent is typically removed in the office with a procedure called cystoscopy. This involves placing a small camera in the bladder, grasping and removing the stent. The procedure usually takes only a minute or two and is typically uncomfortable but not very ...

If you have a stent, it will be removed at this point with a small lighted instrument (cystoscope). This again is done through your bladder and can be done with you awake in the office. Sometimes, the stent is left in longer if your surgeon feels it will help with healing.

ULL combines ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy to locate and remove kidney stones lodged in your ureter. It is a minimally invasive procedure that requires general anesthesia.