Urinary Ureteric Stone

Ureteric stone treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and removing stones lodged in the ureters (the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder). The approach depends on the stone’s size, location, and the severity of symptoms.

Treatment Options

1. Conservative Management (Small stones, <5mm):

   • Hydration: Increased water intake to promote stone passage.
   • Medications:
     • Pain relief with NSAIDs or opioids.
     • Alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) to relax ureter muscles and facilitate stone passage.

2. Non-Surgical Procedures (Moderate-sized stones, <10mm):

   • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): High-energy shock waves break stones into smaller pieces for natural passage.
   • Ureteroscopy (URS): A thin scope is inserted via the urethra to directly remove or fragment stones using a laser.

3. Surgical Interventions (Large or complex stones, >10mm):

   • Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A minimally invasive procedure for large stones accessed through a small incision in the back.
   • Open Surgery: Rarely performed, used for complicated cases when other methods fail.