Ureteroscopy with Holmium Laser Lithotripsy of Kidney Stone

A ureteroscopy with holmium laser lithotripsy is a procedure in which the doctor will use a scope and a powerful laser to break apart large kidney stones that cannot be passed naturally, treated with shockwave lithotripsy, or medication.

Condition it treats:

Kidney stones

What happens during the procedure:

Using a scope and a powerful laser, the urologist will pass through your urethra, bladder, and ureter to reach the kidney stone and break it apart with the laser. This minimally invasive operation is performed when the patient is under general anesthesia.

  • Surgical time is approximately one hour
  • No incisions are made

What to expect post-procedure:

  • Outpatient procedure
  • Patient can return to work in two days
  • Medications include: narcotic pain medication as needed, antibiotic, medication to help pass stone fragments, medication to help relieve stent discomfort if needed
  • Clinic procedure needed to remove stent

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Benefits:

  • Outpatient procedure
  • Safe
  • High success rate- 92%

Possible Disadvantages:

  • Small risk of urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Small risk of ureteral perforation
  • Typically place ureteral stent at time of procedure, with possible stent discomfort (3-5 days)

Meet Our Doctors

Our physicians are experienced in treating the complete range of urologic conditions and diseases, from kidney stones and sexual dysfunction to prostate cancer, incontinence and infertility.