Advantages and disadvantages of flexible ureteroscopy for stone removal

Ureteral stones are a common urogenital disease. Generally, if the patient's stones are relatively small, they can be removed through conservative treatment or medication. However, if the patient's stones are relatively large, surgical treatment is required, mainly using ureteroscopy to remove the kidneys. Many patients are not familiar with this surgery and are worried about complications after the operation. So what are the pros and cons of ureteroscopy to remove the stones?

1. What is ureterolithotomy with flexible ureteroscope?

Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery, which is mainly divided into flexible ureteroscopy and forced ureteroscopy. Generally, there will not be obvious wounds from the surface, because the main operation is to put operating instruments into the urethra to perform the treatment. The patient usually needs to undergo general anesthesia before surgery, and then a ureteroscope is inserted deep into the bladder and urethra to find the specific location of the stone and remove it. This surgery has a very good effect on the treatment of ureteral stones.

2. Advantages of ureteroscopy for stone removal

1. Flexible ureteroscope

Flexible plastic hose mirror can reach the upper part of the urethra and even the kidney function. If the patient has urinary stones, flexible ureteroscope treatment can be used, which can usually be successfully completed without surgery.

2. Forced ureteroscopy

If the patient has stones in the middle and lower part of the urethra, it is recommended to use forced ureteroscopy. This type of surgical method is simple to operate and greatly ensures safety for the patient. It is a minimally invasive surgical method. Patients generally do not feel significant pain during the operation, which not only can completely remove the stones but also can reduce the occurrence of complications.

3. Disadvantages of ureteroscopy for stone removal

1. Urethra tube degloving

When the patient is undergoing ureteroscopy to remove stones, if the urethral tube is dislocated or ruptured, emergency intraoperative urethral tube reattachment is required, which is a serious situation. Even after successful completion of the procedure, ureteral stenosis may still occur, leading to adverse symptoms such as hydronephrosis.