Symptoms and when treatment is needed
Urinary stones can cause severe colicky pain, blood in the urine, infections or a blockage of urine flow. Not every stone needs surgery. What matters is the size, position, symptoms and whether urine flow is obstructed.
Ureteroscopy (URS)
In ureteroscopy, a thin instrument is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter or up to the kidney. The stone can be removed under direct vision or broken up first.
Simplified illustration: a thin instrument is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter, up to the kidney.
- Kidney
- Stone in the ureter
- Bladder
- JJ stent (temporary)
JJ stent
Depending on the findings, a temporary ureteral stent (a so-called JJ or DJ stent) may be placed.
When should you see a urologist?
- kidney or ureteral stones
- colicky flank pain or blood in the urine