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URSL – Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy | CKD & Urology India
Kidney Stone Surgery

URSL Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy

A scarless, no-incision laser procedure to remove ureteral stones with same-day or next-day discharge and no external cuts.

97%
Stone-Free Rate
30–60
Min Duration
0
Skin Incisions
1
Day Hospital Stay
URSL ureteroscopic lithotripsy procedure
Overview

What is URSL?

Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy (URSL) is a scarless procedure that removes stones stuck in the ureter using a thin camera passed naturally through the urethra no skin incision at any point. A Holmium laser fragments the stone into fine dust that passes out with urine.

💡 URSL is the gold standard for ureteral stones upper, mid, or lower ureter with near-complete clearance in one session and zero external cuts.

Procedure Types

Rigid vs Flexible Ureteroscopy

Dr. Chughh chooses the right scope based on stone location and patient anatomy.

Rigid Ureteroscopy (URS)

Best for mid and lower ureteral stones

  • Straight scope passed via urethra into the ureter
  • Ideal for lower and mid ureteral stones
  • Holmium laser or pneumatic lithotripsy used
  • Short procedure typically 20–40 minutes

Flexible Ureteroscopy (fURS)

Best for upper ureteral and kidney stones

  • Flexible scope bends to reach upper ureter and kidney
  • Access areas a rigid scope cannot reach
  • Combined with Holmium laser for stone dusting
  • Can be combined with RIRS in the same session
Clinical Indications

When is URSL Recommended?

🪨

Ureteral Stones Any Size

Stones in the upper, mid, or lower ureter causing pain, blockage, or infection.

🚫

Failed ESWL

Stones that didn't break up adequately after shock-wave lithotripsy.

Acute Ureteral Colic

Severe, uncontrolled flank pain from a blocked ureter not responding to medication.

🦠

Obstruction & Infection

Blocked ureter causing kidney swelling (hydronephrosis) or urinary tract infection.

🤰

Pregnancy

The safest surgical option for ureteral stones during pregnancy when conservative care fails.

💊

Hard or Impacted Stones

Cystine or calcium oxalate stones impacted in the ureter too hard for ESWL.

Step by Step

How is URSL Performed?

Performed through the natural urinary passage no skin incisions. General or spinal anaesthesia. Duration: 30–60 minutes.

01

Anaesthesia & Positioning

General or spinal anaesthesia. Patient placed in lithotomy position for urethral access.

10–15 min
02

Cystoscopy & Ureteral Access

Bladder inspected; guidewire placed up the ureter under X-ray guidance.

5–10 min
03

Ureteroscope Insertion

Rigid or flexible scope advanced up the ureter to directly visualise the stone.

5–10 min
04

Holmium Laser Lithotripsy

Laser fibre pulverises the stone into fine dust or small fragments for safe removal.

10–25 min
05

Retrieval & DJ Stent

Fragments removed with a basket. DJ stent placed to keep ureter open during healing.

5–10 min
Why URSL

Advantages of URSL

🚫

No Skin Incision

Scope enters through the natural urinary passage zero external cuts or scars.

🎯

97%+ Stone-Free Rate

Near-complete ureteral stone clearance in a single session better than ESWL.

Same-Day Discharge

Most patients go home the same day or next morning and resume activity in 2–3 days.

🩺

Diagnostic & Therapeutic

Simultaneously inspects the ureter for strictures and removes the stone in one session.

🤰

Safe in Pregnancy

The only recommended surgical option for ureteral stones during pregnancy.

💪

All Stone Types

Holmium laser fragments every stone composition calcium, cystine, uric acid, struvite.

What to Expect

Recovery Timeline

🏥
Day 1
Post-Procedure

Mild urinary discomfort is normal. Most patients discharged same evening or next morning.

🏠
Day 2–5
Home Recovery

Resume light activity at home. DJ stent may cause mild discomfort managed with oral medication.

🔧
Week 1–4
Stent Removal

DJ stent removed via a quick outpatient cystoscopy. All discomfort resolves immediately.

Week 4–6
Full Recovery

Full activity resumes. Imaging confirms clearance. Prevention plan and dietary advice given.

Our Expertise

Why Choose
Dr. D K Chughh

🏆

Expert Urologist

Dr. D K Chughh 15+ years experience with thousands of ureteroscopic procedures.

💡

Advanced Holmium Laser

Latest Holmium:YAG laser for precise stone dusting with minimal ureteral trauma.

🔭

Rigid & Flexible Scopes

Full range of rigid and flexible scopes chosen based on stone location and anatomy.

📊

Stone Analysis

Stone fragments sent for analysis to identify composition and guide prevention.

💬

Clear Counselling

Every patient gets a clear explanation of their condition, treatment, and prevention plan.

📍

Accessible Location

Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi — easily accessible from South Delhi and all NCR.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

URSL is done under anaesthesia you feel nothing during the procedure. Mild burning or frequency from the DJ stent afterwards is normal and easily managed with medication.
Most patients go home the same day or next morning, with a DJ stent in place and oral medications for comfort.
A DJ stent is a soft tube that keeps the ureter open while healing. It stays 1–4 weeks and is removed via a quick outpatient cystoscopy no anaesthesia needed.
Desk jobs in 2–3 days. Physical work after 5–7 days. Full activity resumes after stent removal.
Yes URSL is the safest option for ureteral stones in pregnancy, avoiding radiation and major trauma, with full anaesthesia and obstetric monitoring.
If the stone is pushed back into the kidney, Dr. Chughh uses a flexible scope to treat it in the same session no second procedure needed.
Book a Consultation

Suffering from a Ureteral Stone?

Consult Dr. D K Chughh today. URSL removes your stone completely in a single session no cuts, no scars, back home the next day.