Procedures & Treatments

Ureteroscopy & Laser Lithotripsy

Flexible ureteroscopy with holmium laser lithotripsy is the gold-standard minimally invasive treatment for kidney and ureteral stones. A thin, flexible scope passes through the natural urinary tract to reach the stone — no incisions — where a laser pulverizes it into fine dust that passes on its own or is retrieved with a basket device.

Procedure illustration — image coming soon

How It Works

Thin flexible scope (2–3 mm) passes through urethra and bladder — no incisions
Stone visualized directly in high definition
Holmium laser fiber pulverizes the stone into fine dust
Fragments pass naturally or are retrieved with a basket
Temporary ureteral stent placed for 3–7 days if needed

Who Is a Candidate

Stones too large to pass (>6 mm) or causing obstruction, infection, or pain
Stones that haven't passed despite adequate time and medication
Anatomy or stone type makes shockwave lithotripsy less effective
Stone removal needed before starting blood thinners or surgery
Works for stones at any location in the ureter or kidney

What to Expect

Same-day outpatient; home within a few hours
Mild urgency or discomfort if a stent is placed
Blood-tinged urine for several days is normal
Stent removal is a 1–2 minute in-office procedure
Stone-free rates exceed 90%; stone analysis guides prevention

Patient education resource Urology Care Foundation — Kidney Stones →