If you have pain when you urinate and W. Cooper Buschemeyer III, MD, of Buschemeyer Urology, suspects kidney stones, he may schedule you for a ureteroscopy. This procedure involves placing a thin scope into your bladder and ureter for a complete diagnosis and possible treatment.
Here’s what to expect during your ureteroscopy.
You’re placed under general anesthesia for a ureteroscopy. Once you are asleep and not feeling pain, Dr. Buschemeyer inserts the tip of the ureteroscope into the tube that lets urine leave your body. This tube is called the urethra.
The doctor slides the device into your bladder where he then releases a sterile solution through the tip of the scope. The full bladder makes it easier for him to see the walls of the organ clearly. He then places the scope into one of your two ureters, narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
If Dr. Buschemeyer has concerns about the health of your kidney, he can slide the scope into this organ for assessment.
When done for diagnosis of painful urination, the ureteroscopy takes about 30 minutes.
If Dr. Buschemeyer is using the ureteroscopy to remove or break up kidney stones, your procedure can take up to 90 minutes.
After placing the scope next to the kidney stone, he captures it with a small wire basket to remove it.
If the stone is too large for the basket, Dr. Buschemeyer uses laser energy to break up the stone. He then removes the pieces of the stone to clear your urinary tract.
Another function of a ureteroscopy is to take a biopsy of suspicious tissue. If Dr. Buschemeyer finds a polyp, tumor, or other tissue abnormality, he may order this biopsy procedure.
When all necessary diagnosis and treatment are complete, Dr. Buschemeyer removes the ureteroscope and empties the bladder of liquid. In some cases, he places a stent to keep the ureter open while it heals.
You’re taken to a recovery room to come out of anesthesia. When your vitals have returned to normal, you’re permitted to go home. This can take from 1-4 hours.
Our team will ask you to drink about 16 ounces of water each hour for two hours, once you’ve regained consciousness.
It’s not unusual to notice blood in your urine for about 24 hours after your procedure. You may also have a little pain.
If Dr. Buschemeyer thinks you may be at risk of infection, he will prescribe a course of antibiotics. If you do develop severe pain, chills, or fever, you may have an infection and should call our office immediately.
Any results from a biopsy procedure may take a few days to get back from the laboratory. We will call you as soon as we have any information.
Dr. Buschemeyer can usually successfully clear kidney stones using ureteroscopy, but if you have a stone that’s exceptionally large he may recommend surgery or another method.
Set up a consultation at Buschemeyer Urology to discuss whether you need a ureteroscopy. Call one of the Conroe or Woodlands, Texas offices today or use this website to arrange your appointment.
