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This treatment is used to remove small to medium-sized stones from the kidneys or ureters.
During a ureteroscopy, no cuts are made in your skin. Instead, a small tube with surgical tools is passed through your urethra (the tube that carries urine) and into your urinary system. The procedure can be done while you’re asleep under general anaesthesia, or while you’re awake but numb from the waist down with spinal anaesthesia, so you won’t feel anything.
The doctor uses a thin, flexible tube called a "scope," which is gently inserted through your urethra, bladder, and into the ureter, reaching your kidney. The tube has a small camera on the end, so the doctor can see the stones. Then, small surgical tools are passed through the tube to remove any small stones.
If there are larger kidney stones, the doctor will use a laser through the tube to break them into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces can then be removed or left in place to be passed out when you urinate.
After the procedure, your doctor may put in a small tube called a stent to keep the ureter open and help urine flow. The stent is temporary and will be removed in a couple of weeks.
This animation shows what happens during a ureteroscopy.
This chapter contains general information about kidney and ureteral stones. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.
Last updated: May 2025.