Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
A minimally invasive procedure designed to remove larger kidney stones through a small access point in the back.
Renal Stone Treatment
Ureteroscopy
A small telescope is passed through the urinary tract to locate and treat stones or investigate an obstruction without an external incision.
- Dr. Anand Arumugam, MBBS, MS, M.Ch
- Manipal Hospital, Varthur Road
Procedure overview
What is Ureteroscopy?
Ureteroscopy allows the urologist to see the ureter directly. A stone may be removed with a fine basket or fragmented using an appropriate energy source. It may also help investigate unexplained urinary blockage or suspicious tissue.
Important. This page provides general education. Your diagnosis, treatment choice and recovery plan must be confirmed in consultation.
When it may be considered
Clinical needs come before technique.
- 01Stones within the ureter or kidney
- 02Urinary blockage that needs direct evaluation
- 03Selected patients for whom shock-wave treatment is unsuitable
- 04A need to inspect or sample urinary-tract tissue
Diagnosis & preparation
What happens before a decision.
Assessment may include
- A focused history and physical examination
- Urine and blood tests relevant to the condition
- Ultrasound, X-ray, CT, MRI or other appropriate imaging
- Anaesthesia and general-health assessment when surgery is planned
Specific tests vary. Bring existing reports so unnecessary repetition can be avoided where possible.
Potential benefits
Why this option may be discussed.
No external incision
Direct view of the urinary tract
Stone removal or fragmentation in one planned procedure
Can support diagnosis as well as treatment
All procedures have potential risks and may not achieve the same result for every patient. Alternatives, risks and expected outcomes should be discussed personally.
Recovery & follow-up
Plan the return to everyday life.
Recovery depends on the stone, procedure and your general health. Temporary urinary discomfort or a short-term stent may be discussed. Your treating team will provide personalised hydration, medicine and activity guidance.
Contact your care team urgently if advised warning signs occur
These may include fever, worsening pain, heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty or inability to pass urine. Follow the discharge instructions given to you.
Procedure FAQs
Questions patients commonly ask.
How do I know whether Ureteroscopy is right for me?
Suitability depends on your diagnosis, test results, general health and treatment goals. A consultation is needed to compare this procedure with observation, medicine or other procedural options.
What should I bring to the consultation?
Bring relevant imaging, laboratory reports, discharge summaries, a medicine and allergy list, and details of previous surgery or treatment.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies by procedure and patient. Dr. Anand and the hospital team will explain the expected stay, activity limits, medicines, follow-up and warning signs for your individual plan.
Related procedures
More in renal stone treatment.
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)
A flexible endoscope and laser are guided through the natural urinary passage into the kidney to treat stones without a kidney incision.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Focused shock waves generated outside the body break selected urinary stones into smaller fragments that can pass through the urinary tract.
Take the next step
Let’s make your next decision feel clearer.
Message the clinic on WhatsApp or call directly. No forms, no waiting for an email reply.