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Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Procedure

Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy

(Removal of Stones in Ureter)

Definition

Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy removes stones from the ureter. The ureter is a tube that passes urine from the kidney to the bladder.

Laparoscopic procedures use small incisions and specialized tools. This helps to avoid longer incisions that are used during open surgery.

The Urinary Tract.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Reasons for Procedure

Ureterolithotomy is done to remove stones in a ureter that:

  • Are too large to pass
  • Cause pain or bleeding
  • Cause infection
  • Block the flow of urine (pee)
  • Place pressure on the kidney

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Excess bleeding
  • Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing and sore throat
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Excess scarring or narrowing of the ureter
  • Problems passing urine
  • Problems passing stool (poop)
  • A hernia
  • Failure to remove the kidney stone

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking excess alcohol
  • Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Problems to Look Out For

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, excess bleeding, or discharge around the wounds
  • Pain that you cannot control with medicine
  • Problems passing urine or stool
  • New or worsening symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Planning for a ride to and from surgery
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Kidney stones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones.
  • Nephrolithiasis in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/nephrolithiasis-in-adults-24.

Contributors

  • Mark S. Itzkowitz, MD, JD
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.