Definition: The use of a laser fiber through a ureteroscope to break a stone in the ureter into tiny pieces that can be passed naturally or removed.
Procedure Steps:
1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia.
2. Access: A rigid or flexible ureteroscope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter.
3. Visualization & Fragmentation: The stone is visualized. A laser fiber is advanced through the scope and used to pulverize the stone.
4. Removal: Sometimes, a small basket is used to retrieve larger fragments.
5. Stent Placement: A ureteral stent is often placed temporarily to prevent swelling and allow healing.
Purpose / Benefits:
• Purpose: To treat symptomatic or obstructive ureteral stones.
• Benefits:
o Highly effective and minimally invasive.
o Laser is precise and can break all types of stones.
o No external incisions.
