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Ureteroscopy (with or without stent) - URS

Genitourinary



 



Ureteroscopy involves putting a small scope into your ureter (the passage from the bladder to the kidney) through the bladder.  This procedure is do to examine the ureter and/or to treat certain conditions of the ureter.  It is usually performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.  Because the handling of the ureter can cause swelling, a very small tube (ureteral stent) may be left in place for several days.  A stent is a small hollow tube which is placed from the kidney to the bladder to keep urine flowing.  You may need to return to the doctor's office to have the stent removed.  This is usually an outpatient procedure.

 

The Day of Surgery shower with the antibacterial soap as directed, before you leave for the hospital.

 

 

 

Home Care

 

Diet

  • Resume your normal eating habits.
  • Drink at least 6-8 (8 oz) glasses of fluid daily.  You may choose to drink most of this before dinner, so you are not up all night passing urine.
  • Do not drink alcohol for 2 days.

 

Activity

  • You may resume your normal routine, but rest if you have pain or blood in the urine.

 

Medicine

  • If an antibiotic is ordered, take all of it.
  • Pain pills will be ordered for you.  Be sure to follow the instructions for taking them.

 

Passing Urine

  • You may go home with a stent.  It may feel like you have to pass urine more often or it may cause a burning feeling in the bladder.  This will lessen with time.  You may have blood in your urine.

 

Follow-Up Care

 

You will have a follow-up visit with your doctor.  If you have a stent, it is very important that you not miss or delay your follow-up visit.

 

Your urology doctor ______________________________

 

When to Call the Doctor

 

Call the doctor if you notice any of the following signs

  • Unable to pass urine
  • Large blood clots in the urine
  • Severe pain not relieved by pain medicine
  • Cloudy or foul smelling urine
  • Red or bloody urine after 3 days
  • Fever over 100.5° F by mouth.

 

Phone Numbers

 

Urology Clinic, (608) 263-4757.  This is a 24-hour number.  

 

After hours, nights weekend, and holidays, this connects you to the message center.  Ask for the urology resident on call.  Give the operator your full name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

If you live out of the area, please call (1-800-323-8942)

 

 

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 03/18/2010

Copyright © 06/24/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5925

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