Ureteral stones are stones that get stuck along the canal that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder and usually manifest themselves with symptoms such as severe flank pain, blood in the urine or difficulty urinating. These stones require intervention when they are too large or stuck for the body to pass naturally. Today, these interventions can be applied much more comfortably, quickly and successfully.
In the treatment of ureteral stones, taking into account the stone size, location and general health status of the patient; Many current methods such as drug reduction (conservative treatment), medical expulus treatment, shock wave therapy (ESWL), endoscopic lithotripsy (ureteroscopy) and laser lithotripsy come into play. The vast majority of these methods do not require surgical incisions, patients are usually discharged on the same day and can return to their lives in a short time with a rapid recovery process.
In the treatment of ureteral stones, technology-supported and patient-friendly solutions are no longer at the forefront of painful and long processes. In short, thanks to modern medicine, getting rid of stones is now both easier and much more comfortable.
Ureteral stones are a health problem that gets stuck along the thin canal that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder and usually manifests itself with excruciating flank pain. These stones require intervention when they cannot be eliminated from the body naturally. Fortunately, today’s treatment methods to pass ureteral stones offer both comfortable and effective solutions.
Conservative Treatment (Self-Lowering Method)
Small stones up to 5 mm in size can usually be passed spontaneously with plenty of water consumption, painkillers and movement. The patient is followed up regularly; If complaints increase, further interventions are started.
Medical Expulsion Therapy (MET)
With alpha-blocker drugs, the ureteral muscles are relaxed, allowing the stone to progress more easily. This method is very successful in stones between 5-10 mm. It is a painless, low-cost and non-surgical approach.
ESWL (Shock Wave Lithotripsy)
The stone is broken with high-frequency sound waves given from outside the body. It is especially preferred for stones in the upper ureter and below 1 cm. Repeated sessions may be required, but surgery is not required.
Ureteroscopy (URS)
It is an incisionless, endoscopic procedure. The stone is reached directly; It is broken down with a laser and taken out. It is one of the most effective methods for stones over 1 cm or stuck at the lower end.
Laser Lithotripsy
It is usually performed in conjunction with ureteroscopy. The stone is broken into millimetric pieces with a laser. It stands out with its high success rate and low risk of complications. It is considered the gold standard in today’s urology.
Surgical Intervention (In Rare Cases)
In cases where all methods have failed, infection has developed or kidney function is threatened, open or laparoscopic surgery may be considered. However, with modern techniques, this need has decreased considerably.
The options for ureteral stone treatment are now quite wide and patient-friendly. Personalized treatment can be planned according to the size and location of the stone. No incisions, no long hospitalization, minimal pain. Thanks to today’s medicine, ureteral stones are no longer a problem to be feared, but a manageable condition. It is possible to get rid of stones comfortably with early diagnosis and the right method!
Ureteral Stone Removal with Laser-Assisted Treatment – Targeted and Effective Intervention in Modern Medicine
Ureteral stones can get stuck in the urinary tract, leading to severe pain, difficulty urinating, and sometimes serious complications. In these cases, classical treatment methods may not always be sufficient. Today, with the integration of technology into health, laser-assisted methods have come to the fore in the treatment of ureteral stones. Laser lithotripsy, in particular, stands out as a minimally invasive and highly successful approach.
How is it Applied?
- The patient is given general or spinal anesthesia.
- The stone is reached by entering through the natural urinary tract (urethra → bladder → ureter).
- With laser energy, the stone is broken into pieces at the micro level.
- If necessary, a “double-J stent” is placed to facilitate urine flow.
- The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes; The patient can be discharged on the same day.
Advantages
- Incision-free: There are no incisions or stitches on the skin.
- High success rate: Provides a stone-free rate of up to 90%.
- Fast recovery: Patients usually return to their normal lives within a few days.
- The complication rate is low: Risks such as bleeding and infection are minimal.
- Solution in a single session: Success is possible in a single session, even for stones over 1 cm.
Laser-assisted treatment is one of the most effective and patient-friendly methods against ureteral stones today. With its comfortable, fast, scarless and safe structure, it surpasses classical surgical methods. Thanks to laser lithotripsy, one of the most successful examples of technological transformation in urology, passing stones is no longer a laborious process; It has become a comfortable solution offered by modern medicine.
