Flexible ureteroscopy describes a modern, gentle procedure in which a thin, bendable instrument is used to look inside the ureter and the renal pelvis and treat problems found there. This method is used mainly to remove kidney stones or to examine certain changes in the lining of the urinary tract more closely.
How does the procedure work?
During a flexible ureteroscopy, a very fine, movable endoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder and then further into the ureter and up into the renal pelvis. The flexible instrument has a tiny camera that sends images from inside the urinary tract directly to a monitor. This allows doctors to spot changes and treat them straight away if needed. Kidney stones are often broken up and removed using tiny graspers or fine laser fibres.
The procedure usually takes place under a short general anaesthetic or a partial anaesthetic. This means no pain is felt during the procedure. After the procedure, a thin plastic tube called a ureteral stent may be placed in the ureter for a few days. This helps urine to drain freely and protects against a possible narrowing caused by swelling.
When is this method used?
Flexible ureteroscopy is used mainly when kidney stones are located in the upper ureter or renal pelvis and are causing symptoms. It can also provide important information in cases of recurring infections, unexplained blood in the urine, or suspected tumours in the urinary tract. Compared with other methods such as rigid ureteroscopy, the flexible version allows a particularly gentle and thorough examination reaching even the finest branches of the renal pelvis.
For smaller or hard-to-reach stones, flexible ureteroscopy is often the first choice. It also offers advantages for people with unusual anatomy or who have had previous operations, as the bendable instrument can adapt more easily to the natural curves of the urinary tract.
What does this mean for your health?
Anyone who is recommended flexible ureteroscopy will often wonder how demanding the procedure is and what risks are involved. It is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it is particularly gentle on the body. Most people are able to get up the day after the procedure and return home after a short time.
Typical symptoms after the procedure include a mild burning sensation when passing urine or a stronger urge to urinate. These symptoms usually disappear within a few days. In rare cases, a urinary tract infection or mild bleeding may occur. A temporary pulling sensation in the lower abdomen is also possible, especially if a ureteral stent has been placed. Very rarely, more serious complications can arise, such as an injury to the wall of the ureter or heavier bleeding. Overall, however, flexible ureteroscopy is considered very safe.
What happens after the procedure?
After flexible ureteroscopy, a short period of monitoring takes place to check for any bleeding or other unusual signs. Many people are able to eat and drink again on the same day. If a ureteral stent was placed, it is usually removed straightforwardly after a few days or weeks.
It is important to drink enough fluids in the first few days after the procedure. This helps to flush the urinary tract thoroughly and allows any bacteria to be passed out more quickly. If fever, strong pain, or noticeable blood in the urine occurs, a doctor should be contacted straight away.
Advantages of flexible ureteroscopy
Compared with older methods, flexible ureteroscopy offers several advantages. It often requires no large cuts and allows targeted treatment directly at the affected site. For kidney stones in particular, open surgery can often be avoided. The recovery period is usually short, and many people are able to return to their normal daily routine after a short time.
The procedure is also valuable for diagnosis. Changes to the lining of the urinary tract, small tumours, or narrowings in the ureter can be seen and assessed directly. The high manoeuvrability of the instrument means that even hard-to-reach areas can be examined, which improves the quality of the findings.
Flexible ureteroscopy is today an important part of modern urology. It combines thorough diagnosis with gentle, targeted treatment and helps to manage kidney stones and other changes in the urinary tract safely and effectively.
