Kidney & Bladder Surgery
Diagnostic Ureteroscopy
Diagnostic ureteroscopy uses a flexible telescope to inspect the kidney and ureter. This safe day-case procedure identifies the cause of scan abnormalities, allows for biopsies, and can treat blockages.
Key takeaways
- Diagnostic ureteroscopy uses a flexible telescope to inspect the kidney and ureter. This safe day-case procedure identifies the cause of scan abnormalities, allows for biopsies, and can treat blockages.
- Specialty: Kidney & Bladder Surgery
Day case
Usually home the same day
48
Most back to routine withinhrs
No
Via natural pathwayscars
Treatment Overview
About Diagnostic Ureteroscopy
Diagnostic ureteroscopy is a gentle, modern minimally-invasive way to inspect the kidney and ureter without needing to make any cuts in your skin.
Your specialist uses an ultra-thin, highly flexible telescope that travels through your natural water pipe (urethra), past the bladder, and directly into the kidney. We use high-definition digital scopes to give us clear views of the lining of the ureter and kidney. We are able to pass very small devices through the telescope to take samples from the lining if we see an abnormality, and can use a laser in some situations to treat any abnormality we see. We often need to place a stent at the end of the procedure to allow the kidney to drain safely.
Safety Information
Benefits, Risks & Side Effects
01
Benefits
The primary benefit of RIRS is that it is entirely incision-free, meaning there are no external scars and a much lower risk of wound infection.
Fast Recovery: Most people are back to their normal daily routine within just 48 hours. Some patients may not be able to return to normal activities if they have a stent placed after the procedure until the stent is removed.
Highly Effective: It has a high success rates allowing us to inspect the lining of the urinary tract thoroughly.
Convenience: It is almost always a 'day-case' procedure, meaning you can head home the same day.
02
Risks
While this procedure is evidence-based and follows best-practice clinical standards, it is important to understand the potential risks involved. We categorise these complications by their frequency to help you make an informed decision.
🟡 Occasional (Between 1 in 10 and 1 in 50 patients)
Failed Access: There is a small chance (about 5%) that the surgeon may not be able to reach the intended area due to a narrow ureter, which may require a follow-up procedure.
🔴 Rare (Between 1 in 50 and 1 in 250 patients)
Infection (Urosepsis): While the risk of a severe infection is rare (occurring in 1 in 50 to 1 in 100 patients), we give you preventative antibiotics before surgery to minimise this.
Ureteric Injury: There is a small risk (about 1%) of making a hole (perforation) in the tube (ureter) during the procedure.
Scarring (Stricture): In the long term, a small number of patients (between 1 in 100 and 1 in 250) might develop narrowing or scarring in the ureter.
General Medical Issues: Rare complications related to the heart or breathing, such as blood clots or chest infections, that may require intensive care.
03
Side Effects
To help you prepare for your recovery, we use the following traffic light system to outline common after-effects. Many of these are self-limiting or temporary reactions that settle as your bladder and ureter heal.
🟢 Common (More than 1 in 10 patients)
Stinging and Bleeding: Almost all patients experience mild burning or a stinging sensation when passing urine, and it is very normal to see blood in your urine for a short period after the operation.
Stent Symptoms: If a temporary soft plastic tube (stent) is placed to help the kidney drain, it can cause "stent syndrome." This feels like a dull ache in your side when you pee or a frequent, urgent need to go to the toilet.
🟡 Occasional (Between 1 in 10 and 1 in 50 patients)
Bladder Catheter: You may have a temporary drainage tube (catheter) placed in your bladder, which is usually removed shortly after the procedure.
What We Treat
How Diagnostic Ureteroscopy Can Help You
This treatment is effective for a wide range of health needs. Select a condition below to learn more about how we can support your recovery and improve your daily well-being.
Patient Journey
What to Expect
A step-by-step guide through your Diagnostic Ureteroscopy journey—from preparation and what happens during the procedure to recovery and aftercare.
01/ 03
Before Procedure
To prepare for a successful surgery, you will have a CT scan to map the exact size and location of the stone.
Health Check: You’ll have a pre-operative assessment to check your blood pressure and general health.
Infection Check: You must provide a clear urine sample one week before to ensure you don't have an infection.
Medication: It is important to tell your specialist about any blood-thinners, as you may need to pause these for 3–5 days.
Fasting: You must not eat or drink (nil by mouth) for 6 hours before your operation. You may be allowed to drink clear fluids like water up until closer to your surgery, but please follow the instructions given at pre-assessment.
02/ 03
During Procedure
The surgery is performed while you are asleep (general anaesthetic) and usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
Your specialist guides the flexible scope through your natural water pipe—no nicks or cuts are made to your skin.
A digital telescope is used to inspect the lining of the ureter and kidney.
Samples of any abnormality can be taken.
A 'JJ stent' (a thin plastic tube) is often placed at the end to keep the channel open and protect the area while it heals to allow the kidney to drain. This sits between the kidney and the bladder.
03/ 03
After Procedure
You will be monitored in recovery and can usually head home the same day once you have successfully passed urine.
Hydration: It is vital to drink 2.5 to 3 litres of water a day to help flush out any remaining stone dust.
Stent Removal: If you have a stent, it is usually removed in a quick, 3-5 minute procedure in the clinic about 2 weeks later using a flexible cystoscope. However, of you require further surgery then it will usually be left in until this point. This may cause pain and irritation until it is removed, as well as blood in the urine and the need to pee more often.
Activity: You can return to light daily activities within 2 days. Your case will usually be discussed in an MDT meeting 2-3 weeks later, and further management will be discussed with you after this.
Specialists
Specialists for Diagnostic Ureteroscopy
Leading experts for this treatment. View profiles to see clinical backgrounds and current availability.
Our Commitment
Care you can trust
Every treatment is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.
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Receive evidence-based treatments delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.
Personalised Care Plans
Your consultant will design a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific health goals and lifestyle.
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Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this treatment and what to expect.
3 questions
A stent is a thin, hollow tube that keeps the ureter open. Because the surgery involves moving a scope through a very narrow tube, the ureter can swell afterward. The stent ensures urine can still flow from the kidney to the bladder while this swelling settles. Most people feel the stent as a 'pulling' sensation in their side when they pee or a frequent urge to go, but these symptoms vanish as soon as the stent is removed.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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The laser used is extremely precise and only penetrates a fraction of a millimetre into tissue. It is designed to be absorbed by tissue being ablated and the surrounding fluid. Surgeons use high-definition cameras to see exactly where the laser is pointing at all times, making the risk of accidental damage to other organs extremely low.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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Most patients return to light office work within 2 to 3 days. However, if you have a stent in place, you may find that vigorous exercise or heavy lifting causes more blood in the urine or bladder discomfort. We generally recommend waiting until 48 hours after the stent has been removed before resuming high-intensity sports or heavy lifting.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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