URSL Including Laser Lithotripsy

URSL Including Laser Lithotripsy

URSL (Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat urinary stones in the ureter or kidney. It involves the use of a ureteroscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end, to visualize the urinary tract and locate the stone. Laser lithotripsy is a specific technique used during URSL to break up the stone into smaller fragments using laser energy.
Here's a step-by-step overview of URSL including laser lithotripsy:

Preparation: Before the procedure, the patient may receive anesthesia, which can be general, regional, or local depending on the case. Anesthesia ensures the patient's comfort during the procedure.

Insertion of the ureteroscope: The urologist inserts the ureteroscope through the urethra and into the bladder. The scope is then advanced through the ureter and into the affected kidney or ureter.

Visualization and stone localization: Once the ureteroscope is in place, the urologist uses the camera and light at the tip to visualize the urinary tract. The stone is located and assessed for size, position, and composition.

Laser lithotripsy: To break up the stone, a laser fiber is passed through a working channel of the ureteroscope. Laser energy is then delivered to the stone, causing it to fragment into smaller pieces. The laser used in this procedure is typically a holmium laser, which has excellent stone-breaking capabilities.

Stone removal: After the stone has been fragmented, the urologist may use various tools within the ureteroscope to remove the stone fragments. These tools can include graspers, baskets, or suction devices. In some cases, larger stone fragments may need to be broken down further using the laser or other techniques.