Ureter Stone Surgery

The ureters are tube-shaped structures that range from approximately 25 to 28 cm in length, connecting the kidneys to the bladder.

Stones that fall into the urinary tract bring along various problems. They form in the kidneys and can cause issues in the ureter, which acts as a bridge between the kidney and bladder.

Conditions like narrowing in the ureter, ureterocele, ureter tumors, or even residual sutures from previous surgeries in the ureter can lead to stone formation in the ureter.

Most stones in the ureter are made of calcium oxalate. When stones get stuck in the ureter, they can obstruct urine flow, leading to a range of complications. For this reason, surgery is often necessary to remove these stones.

How is Ureter Stone Surgery Performed?

Treatment Details:

• Operation: Ureter Stone Surgery
• Procedure: Stones are broken using a camera-assisted closed method from the urinary tract.
• Duration: 1 hour
• Hospital Stay: 1 day
• Anesthesia: General or spinal anesthesia
• Recovery Time: 1-2 days
• Return to Work/School: 5-7 days
• Scarring: None
• Pain Duration: 24 hours

Types of Surgery

In practice, the surgery is typically performed through the bladder using Ureterorenoscopy (URS). However, if there are strictures or other complications, the surgery can also be performed via Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), or in rare cases, open or laparoscopic surgery.

URS Surgery involves the use of an optical camera inserted through the urinary tract to locate, fragment, and remove stones. Stones are usually broken using mechanical methods (pneumatic) or laser, with laser being the preferred method as it eliminates the risk of stone fragments traveling back into the kidney.

If the stone can be reduced to sand-like particles, patients can pass them through urine. If larger stone fragments remain, they are removed during the surgery.

Advantages of Closed Surgery:

• No cosmetic damage
• Less bleeding compared to open surgery
• Faster recovery and quicker return to daily life

If any injury occurs during the surgery, a stent is placed between the kidney and bladder to minimize damage. This stent stays in place for 3-4 weeks and is removed through a simple closed procedure.

Recovery and Aftercare: After the surgery, patients are typically observed for one day before being discharged. Open surgery is rarely needed today due to advancements in technology.

What to Know About Ureter Stone Surgery

The ureter is a tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder, measuring approximately 25-30 cm in length. Ureter stones are a common condition that can affect people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

Due to some narrowing areas in the ureter, stones can get stuck in certain regions, causing significant pain and complications. For some patients, the process of passing a stone may be challenging and painful, and support with pain relief and increased fluid intake is advised.

Treatment for ureter stones depends on the size and location of the stones. Stones smaller than 4-5 mm usually pass naturally, but larger stones often require medical intervention.

Why Do Ureter Stones Form?

Ureter stones form when uric acid, calcium, and other minerals in the urine crystallize into hard clusters. These stones can range in size from tiny grains of sand to golf-ball-sized stones.

A diet rich in salt, sugar, and animal proteins, dehydration, and certain medical conditions like gout or inflammatory bowel disease are common risk factors for ureter stone formation. Additionally, those who have previously had stones are more likely to develop them again.

URS Surgery Varieties:

Ureterorenoscopy (URS) is a surgical procedure performed using a long device called a ureteroscope. There are two types of ureteroscopes: rigid and flexible.

If the stone is smaller than 2 cm in the kidney or the ureter requires surgery, the ureteroscope is inserted via the urinary tract under anesthesia to access the bladder, and then it moves into the ureter to locate and treat the stone.

The procedure typically lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours, and the patient usually stays in the hospital overnight. A stent is often placed between the kidney and bladder and removed after about a month. Normal activities can be resumed in 2-3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How Long Does Ureter Stone Surgery Take? The surgery typically lasts between 2-3 hours, though it can vary due to unexpected complications. It is not possible to give a precise duration in all cases.

• How is Ureter Stone Surgery Performed? The patient is anesthetized, and an endoscope is inserted through the urinary tract to reach the bladder and ureter. The stones are then fragmented and removed.

• What Happens If a Ureter Stone Is Not Removed? Ureter stones can block the urinary tract, leading to infections, kidney damage, and other complications. Prompt removal is necessary to avoid these risks.

• Where Do Ureter Stones Most Commonly Get Stuck? Ureter stones typically get stuck at three narrowing points: where the stone exits the kidney, where the ureter crosses large blood vessels, and where the ureter enters the bladder.

Costs of Ureter Stone Surgery in Izmir:

• Prices for ureter stone surgery in Izmir vary depending on the type of procedure, hospital, and the surgeon’s expertise. Contact us for detailed pricing information.