RIGID URETEROSCOPY

 

Discharge information for patients

 
Humans usually have two kidneys at  the back of the abdomen at the lower part of the ribs, one on each side of the  body. The kidneys filter the blood and make urine. Each kidney is connected to  the bladder by a tube called the ureter, through which urine drains. A rigid  ureteroscopy is an examination of the ureter using a fine telescope called a  ureteroscope. A ‘right’ or ‘left’ ureteroscopy indicates which ureter requires  examination.A rigid ureteroscopy is usually performed under a general  anaesthetic (when you are asleep) so that one of a number of possible procedures  may be carried out in one of your ureters depending on your urological  condition. For example, to remove stones with a ‘basket’ or by ‘crushing’, take  a tissue sample (biopsy), or to dilate a narrowing (stricture) in the ureter.
 
Any planned treatment will have been discussed with you before your operation by  your medical team and your written consent obtained.

After a  ureteroscopy most patients have an uneventful recovery and are discharged home  the same day. When you have had a general anaesthetic or sedation it is  important that you do not drive a car, drink alcohol or handle machinery for 24  hours post-op. You should therefore arrange for someone to collect you from  hospital. However, it may be necessary to insert an internal stent (thin tube)  into the ureter at the time of the operation which means you may stay in  hospital a little longer. This stent usually remains in place for a few days to  a few weeks to aid the healing process, and you will be discharged with this  stent. Arrangements will be made for it’s removal under a local (you are awake)  anaesthetic. This removal is very important and you must ensure you have a date  to attend hospital in the near future before you are discharged.

For  about 72 hours after your operation, especially if you have a stent, you may  pass urine frequently, experience a mild burning sensation on passing urine,  and/or see a little blood in the urine. Drinking plenty of fluids (approximately  2 litres /4 pints per 24 hours) and resting as much as possible may help to  reduce these symptoms. It is particularly important to drink this amount if you  have had stones removed with this procedure.

If symptoms persist and you  notice that your urine is cloudy and/or has an offensive smell, please contact  your GP so that a urinary infection may be ruled out. If you were discharged  from hospital with antibiotics, it is important that you complete the course as  instructed.