About Endoscopic Ureterolithotomy
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Endoscopic Ureterolithotomy
Endoscopic ureterolithotomy is a surgical procedure that is done through an endoscope which is inserted through the urethra. It may be open or laparoscopic. Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure that uses an endoscope to examine the inside of your body. An endoscope is an instrument with a tiny camera attached to a thin long tube. Ureterolithotomy is surgery to remove a stone from the ureter.
IndicationsEndoscopic ureterolithotomy is usually indicated when medical treatment is not enough for ureteral lithiasis. Surgery is recommended when there is renal damage, untreatable pain or severe obstruction or infection. In addition, the surgery is recommended when (ESWL) extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy fails. Ureteral lithiasis is the formation of urinary stones (calculi) anywhere in the urinary system. When small crystals, often made out of calcium, form masses they are known as calculi.
Signs and symptoms that indicate a need for the procedure include:- Abdominal pain in the groin area.
- Blood present in urine.
- Urinary tract infection.
- Obstruction of urine flow.
- Increased frequency of urination
- Dribbling of urine
Surgical procedureIf the calculus is too big it is fragmented by ultrasound or laser before the surgery. Endoscopic ureterolithotomy is performed by a medical doctor using a small caliber endoscope. A few small cuts will be made to your abdomen. The doctor will move the endoscope through the urethra to identify the ureter and extract the calculi through the incision made. The incision is then closed with stitches. It is performed under general anesthesia, which can be injected into a vein or inhaled. A catheter may be put in place to help drain fluids from the area while you heal. The incisions may be covered with bandages.
When to call your doctor- Urgency or inability to urinate
- Chest pain
- Uncontrollable pain
- Pus draining from incision site
- Fever and chills
- Uncontrollable nausea and vomiting
- Swelling at the incision site
Recovery : This procedure is minimally invasive and has an early postoperative recovery. Exercise will be encouraged soon after your surgery; usually within 24 hours. It may take about 3 days for bowel function to return to normal and an enema may be needed. In addition, it is sometimes necessary to leave a catheter in the urinary tract until the urinary flow is back to normal.
Risks : Risks from the surgery include: Side effects of anesthesia, Excessive bleeding, Infection, Tear in the gut wall, Blood clots, Failure to remove the stones, Hernia, Stroke or heart attack, Kidney problems due to excess narrowing of the ureter, Excess scarring of incision, Problems having bowel movements, Death
After care : You may be given blood thinners to prevent blood clots. Analgesics are generously administered as needed. If an infection is proven antibiotics are given. Antibiotics are also given according to appropriate sensitivity testing. In the first two postoperative days, you will need to be well hydrated with intravenous fluid replacement.
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