Ureteroscopy

Alternative Names: URS

Ureteroscopy (URS) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat kidney stones, especially those in the ureter or kidney. A thin, flexible scope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter to locate the stone. The stone is then either removed with a small basket or broken into smaller pieces using a laser. URS is typically done under general anesthesia and requires no incisions. 

After the procedure, a temporary ureteral stent is often left in place to keep the ureter open, help urine drain, and aid healing; it is usually removed within a few days to weeks.

Treatment Type: Procedural

Treatment Class: N/A

Treatment Modality: N/A

Ureteroscopy

Review Summary

4.0

1 Reviews

Preferred by 1 Reviewers

Based on the review provided by Dr. Curbside, Ureteroscopy (URS) appears to be a highly effective minimally invasive treatment for kidney or ureteral stones. It is particularly useful for large, stuck, or otherwise difficult-to-treat stones, and it allows for direct removal or laser fragmentation without the need for incisions.

This summary was generated by users' reviews

Breakdown by Category

Each categories are rated on a 1–5 scale, with 5 being the most favorable outcome and 1 being the least. These scores are averaged across all user reviews to provide a clear sense of how this treatment typically performs in each area.

Cost
1.0
1 = Very Expensive 5 = Very Affordable

1.0

Very Expensive
Relief Speed
5.0
1 = No Relief 5 = Immediate Relief

5.0

Immediate Relief
Side Effects
3.0
1 = Intolerable Effect 5 = No Effect

3.0

Moderate Effect
Treatment Line
3.0
1 = Third-line or more 5 = First-line

3.0

Second Line

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4.0

1 Reviews
5
0%
4
100%
3
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2
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1
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AI Summary of User Experiences

Not medical advice.

Based on the review provided by Dr. Curbside, Ureteroscopy (URS) appears to be a highly effective minimally invasive treatment for kidney or ureteral stones. It is particularly useful for large, stuck, or otherwise difficult-to-treat stones, and it allows for direct removal or laser fragmentation without the need for incisions.

Reviews

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Cost
Very Expensive
$1000+
Expensive
$501 to $1000
Moderate Cost
$101 to $500
Affordable
$25 to $100
Very Affordable
$25
Relief Speed
No Relief
No noticeable improvement
Slow Relief
Several days to weeks
Moderate Relief
Within 1 - 3 days
Fast Relief
Within hours
Immediate Relief
Within minutes
Side Effect
Intolerable Side Effect
Caused treatment to stop or required hospitalization
Severe Side Effect
Difficult to tolerate, may require intervention
Moderate Side Effect
Noticeable, but manageable
Mild Side Effect
Minor, not bothersome
No Side Effect
Without any adverse effects
Treatment Line
Third-line or more
Used after second-line failed or multiple prior treatment
Second-line
Used after first-line treatment failed or was unsuitable
First-line
First treatment tried
Dr. Curbside

Dr. Curbside

Verified
Physician • Emergency Medicine • How doctors think about decisions — and what real-world experiences add
1 month ago
A minimally invasive and effective option for treating kidney or ureteral stones, especially when stones are stuck or not ideal for ESWL. It allows direct visualization and laser fragmentation without any external incisions, making it a precise and commonly used approach. Often chosen when quicker or more definitive treatment is needed. That said, it can require temporary tubes or stents afterward, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.
#VeryExpensive #ImmediateRelief #ModerateEffect #Second-line #Rescue/EmergencyUse
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