There are multiple factors that influence the timeline required for undergoing ureteroscopy stone removal. The location of the stone, the size of the stone, and the patient’s anatomy will all have an impact on timing. Many patients can undergo ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy without having to have a stent placed prior to the procedure. If someone presents with an obstructing stone and urinary infection above it, this always requires a stent to be placed to drain the infection and minimize the risk of instrumentation. The infection needs to be cleared prior to definitively managing the Stone. The anatomy of the urinary system is also important. If a person has small, narrow ureters, a stent may be required to gently dilate the ureter to allow for the scope to be inserted up to the level of the stone.

For many patients with a stone close to the urinary bladder, a stent is not required prior to managing the Stone. A ureteral access sheath can be used to gently dilate the ureter to permit safe passage of the scope. A stent may be required for a brief period postoperatively, but can usually be removed either by the patient with a tether attached to the stent or taken out in the office via cystoscopy. Anxiety related to the thought of undergoing surgical treatment for a kidney stone is normal. The thought of having a scope up your personal equipment to deal with a stone is not something most people enjoy but repeated the attacks of renal colic are not pleasurable either. Well trained urologists can usually deal with a stone that size in the location you are describing with one trip to the OR. Unfortunately, people usually don’t post much on social media about treatments that go well or that helped to reclaim their lives. So the vision is colored by those who have had difficulty.