Advanced URSL Surgery For Kidney Stone

What Happens During URSL Surgery?

Diagnosis

The urologists need to make some assessments before performing URSL. These assessments are made through a couple of diagnostic tests, including Imaging tests (X-ray, Abdominal Ultrasound, MRI), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test, Blood Test, and Urinalysis. The aim of carrying out these assessments is to figure out the size of the stone, the number of stones that need to be removed, and their location. 

These tests also help doctors look for any underlying diseases that can cause complications in the procedure. The urologists will proceed with the procedure only after assessing the results of the tests carefully.

Procedure

This surgery is performed in the following steps: 

• The patient is administered spinal or general anesthesia, depending upon the requirement. 
• Then, the surgeon inserts a thin, long fiber-optic scope called a ureteroscope into the ureteral passage through the urethra. Simultaneously, the surgeon uses x-ray to see inside the kidneys and ureters and locate the stones exactly.
• Once the stone is located, it is collected in a stone basket and eventually pulled out of the system. 
• If the stone is too large in size, then the surgeon uses a precision laser to break it into smaller pieces. The small stones can pass through the system naturally. 
• The surgeon usually inserts ureteral stents to help flush out the stones from the body. The stent expands the passage of the ureter, which makes it easier for the stone fragments to travel through the ureter and out of the body.

What to expect post URSL surgery?

Here’s what you can expect after URSL surgery: 

You will be shifted to a recovery room, and the doctors will monitor your condition. If the doctors do not suspect complications, you’ll be discharged on the same day. 

It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort due to stent insertion. The doctor will prescribe medicines to help relieve the pain. 

Some people might notice blood in their urine, which is also very normal and generally subsides within a week or two of the surgery. 

Recovery after URSL surgery

The recovery period after URSL surgery is quite short and most patients can resume their routine within a week of the surgery, without experiencing any complications.Taking some precautions and making some changes in your lifestyle can help you recover even faster. Here are some tips that can help you recover quicker: 

• Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids. Make sure that your diet is packed with fiber. 
• Do not indulge in heavy workout for a couple of days after the surgery. 
• Make sure you take the medicines prescribed by the doctor without fail. Skipping these medicines can delay the recovery process. Also, if you experience abnormal symptoms, get in touch with your doctor immediately. 

What Are The Benefits of URSL Surgery?

URSL is a modern technique to treat kidney stones and offers a respite from the painful condition while causing no discomfort to the patient. This is a minimally-invasive procedure i.e., it does not involve cuts or stitches which allows the patient to remain comfortable throughout.Some of the benefits of ureteroscopic lithotripsy include the following –

• No cuts and scars
• No bleeding during the surgery
• Faster recovery
• Minimal complications
• Shorter hospital stay
• Outpatient procedure
• Resume daily activities within a week