Prof. Dr. Emel Akoğlu
UrologyVerified
- 57+years exp.
English · Turkish
FromPrice on request
Free quote
60 seconds · no obligationView Profile
Kidney Stones
Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy
What ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy is, how a thin scope and laser break kidney and ureteral stones without cuts, how it compares with shock-wave treatment and percutaneous surgery, approximate costs in Turkey against the UK, US and Germany, stent and recovery details, risks and how to check a urology hospital.
A written plan with the surgeon's name and the full price — usually within 24 hours.
- Category
- Kidney Stones
- Hospitals
- 2
- Verified
- 2
- Price from
- Price on request
Verified surgeons for Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy
2 doctors Compare doctors, ratings and prices — ask any of them for a free quote.
Prof. Dr. Zerrin Biçik Bahçebaşı
UrologyVerified
- 37+years exp.
English · Turkish
FromPrice on request
Free quote
60 seconds · no obligationView Profile
Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy: what it is and how it works
Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy is a keyhole way of treating kidney and ureteral stones without any cut in the skin. A very thin telescope, the ureteroscope, is passed through the urethra and bladder and up the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney. When the surgeon sees the stone, a laser fibre thinner than a pencil lead is passed through the scope and fired at the stone, breaking it into small fragments or fine dust. The pieces are either removed with a tiny basket or left to pass in the urine. Because the route is natural, there is no wound, and many patients go home the same day or the next.
The laser most often used is a holmium:YAG laser; newer thulium fibre lasers are also used in some centres. This guide explains how the operation is done, what the evidence says about success, how it compares with the other stone treatments, what it costs in Turkey against the UK, US and Germany, and what recovery involves. For the wider field see our urology treatments in Turkey.
Which stones can be treated with a ureteroscope and laser?
The method is used for stones in the ureter and for stones in the kidney up to about 2 cm. It is a standard choice for ureteral stones that are too large, too hard or too painful to wait for, and for stones that have not passed after a period of watchful waiting. It can break all stone types, including very hard calcium oxalate monohydrate and cystine stones that respond poorly to shock waves. Stones larger than about 2 cm in the kidney are usually treated by percutaneous nephrolithotomy, although a large stone can sometimes be tackled with staged laser sessions. A CT scan without contrast shows the size, position and density of the stone, so no honest hospital can plan treatment without imaging.
How is the operation done, step by step?
The operation is done under general anaesthesia, occasionally spinal, and usually takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on stone size.
- The surgeon passes a thin camera into the bladder and a guidewire up the ureter, using X-ray guidance.
- A rigid or flexible ureteroscope follows the wire. For stones in the kidney, a flexible scope bends around the corners of the collecting system. Some surgeons use an access sheath to protect the ureter and keep the view clear.
- The laser fibre is brought to the stone. In fragmenting mode the stone is broken into pieces that are removed one by one with a basket; in dusting mode, the laser pulverises the stone to powder that can be passed.
- The surgeon checks the kidney and ureter for remaining fragments and injuries.
- A temporary ureteral stent is often left in to keep the ureter open while it heals.
The stent is discussed in our guide to ureteroscopy; it is the reason why many patients have urgency and flank discomfort for a few days.
Does laser lithotripsy work? What the evidence says
Yes, for the right stones. The European Association of Urology guidelines list ureteroscopy as a first-line option for ureteral stones and for kidney stones up to 2 cm, and published series report that most patients are stone-free after one procedure, with the figure being lower for larger or lower-pole kidney stones. Stone-free rates depend on stone size, hardness, position, kidney anatomy and the surgeon's experience. A small proportion of patients need a second session. What the evidence does not support is any promise that a stone will never come back: stones recur in many patients within years, which is why stone analysis, fluid intake and dietary advice matter after treatment. Read more about the underlying problem in our guide to kidney stones.
Laser, shock wave or percutaneous surgery: which treatment suits which stone?
There are three main ways of treating a stone in the urinary tract. Which one is chosen depends on size, location, hardness and your health. The older term laser lithotripsy covers laser stone breaking in general.
| Treatment | Best suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy | Ureteral stones; kidney stones up to about 2 cm; hard stones | Usually needs general anaesthesia and often a stent |
| Shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) | Small, softer stones that can be seen on imaging | Less effective on hard, large or lower-pole stones; may need repeat sessions |
| Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) | Large kidney stones above about 2 cm | Needs a small cut in the back; longer stay and recovery |
If you have a blocked, infected kidney, doctors usually place a stent or drain first and treat the stone later, once the infection has been controlled.
Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
The figures below are approximate ranges for one procedure, not hospital quotes. The price depends on stone size and position, the type of scope, the laser, the stent, the length of stay and what the package includes. The hospital confirms its own price in a written quote.
| Country | Approximate cost range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €1,800 – €4,500 |
| United Kingdom | €4,500 – €9,500 |
| United States | €7,000 – €20,000 |
| Germany | €3,500 – €8,500 |
What changes the price: whether a single-use flexible scope is used, how large and numerous the stones are, whether a stent is placed and removed, a day-case or overnight stay and the imaging and tests required. A clear package lists the consultation, CT review, procedure, anaesthetist, stent, hospital stay, stent removal and medication. Check whether a second session or stent removal is included. Our page on how it works shows how quotes are prepared.
What does recovery after laser stone removal look like?
Most patients go home within 24 hours. In the first days the urine is often pink and the stent causes urgency, flank ache and a burning feeling. Typical milestones:
- Days 1 to 3: rest, plenty of fluid, simple painkillers and, if prescribed, medication to relax the ureter and bladder.
- Days 3 to 7: light activity and desk work for most people; blood in the urine fades.
- Week 1 to 2: the stent is removed in most cases through a short cystoscopy, or by a thread if one was left. Stent symptoms stop soon after.
- Weeks 2 to 4: normal exercise returns. Heavy lifting is avoided until the doctor agrees.
Plan to stay in Turkey for three to four days if the stent is removed at home, or 7 to 10 days if you want it removed before flying. Some urologists do not leave a stent in for simple, uncomplicated ureteral stones, which shortens the trip. Flying is generally fine when you feel well and have no fever.
What are the risks of ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy?
The operation is common and generally safe, but the NHS and the European Association of Urology list recognised risks: urinary infection, blood in the urine, stent discomfort, injury or tear of the ureter, narrowing (stricture) of the ureter later, leftover fragments that may need further treatment, and the usual risks of anaesthesia. Serious problems are uncommon, and larger or impacted stones carry more risk. Contact the hospital urgently if you develop a fever, shivering, severe pain not controlled by painkillers, heavy bleeding with clots or you cannot pass urine.
Who should have the procedure, and who may need another approach?
Good candidates are adults with a stone seen on CT that is causing pain, repeated infections, blockage or has failed to pass. Special care is needed if you take blood thinners, have an active urinary infection, are pregnant, have kidney disease, a solitary kidney or unusual anatomy. In some cases, observation is reasonable: small stones under about 5 mm often pass by themselves. The hospital should explain why it recommends laser treatment for your stone rather than waiting or choosing another route.
How do I choose a urology hospital, and what are the red flags?
Choose a licensed hospital where the urologist performs flexible ureteroscopy regularly, with X-ray guidance in the theatre, an anaesthetist and a laser that matches the stone. Ask for a written plan based on your own CT report, with the stone size and position stated. Red flags include a quote with no scan, a promise that every stone is cleared in one sitting, no named surgeon, no plan for stent removal and no contact after you leave. Request a plan through our free quote page and send your CT report.
What should I ask the clinic before booking?
- What are the size, position and density of my stone, and is laser the right method?
- Is a stent needed, how long will it stay and when will it be removed?
- How many flexible ureteroscopies does the surgeon perform each year?
- What happens if fragments remain, and is a second session covered?
- Will the stone be sent for analysis, and will I get advice to prevent recurrence?
- How long should I stay in Turkey before flying home?
- Do I get an English report of the procedure?
Conditions treated with Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy
Hospitals with Urology in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
It is a keyhole stone treatment in which a thin scope is passed through the urethra, bladder and ureter, and a laser fibre breaks the stone into fragments or dust. No skin incision is needed.
Yes, for stones in the ureter and kidney stones up to about 2 cm, and it breaks hard stones too. Most patients are stone-free after one session, but larger stones may need a second procedure.
Approximate ranges are €1,800 to €4,500 in Turkey, against about €4,500 to €9,500 in the UK. The price depends on stone size, scope type, stent and hospital stay; the hospital confirms its price in a written quote.
You are asleep during the operation. Afterwards a ureteral stent often causes urgency, flank ache and pink urine for several days, which painkillers and fluids ease. Symptoms usually settle soon after the stent comes out, normally within days.
Most people leave hospital within a day, return to desk work in three to seven days and resume exercise after about two weeks, once the stent is out. Heavy lifting waits until the surgeon agrees.
Not always. A stent is common after treating kidney stones or when the ureter is swollen, but may be skipped after simple ureteral stone treatment. The surgeon decides based on what was seen during the operation.
It depends on the stone. Lasers cope with hard stones and ureteral stones well, while shock waves avoid anaesthesia in selected small stones. A urologist will choose according to the size, position and hardness of your stone and your general health.
Yes. Stones recur in many patients over the years. Drinking plenty of fluid, dietary advice and stone analysis help lower the chance, and a urologist may suggest a metabolic check if stones return, so keep your stone analysis report.
It is a common and generally safe operation. Risks include infection, bleeding, stent discomfort, ureter injury and later narrowing, all uncommon when an experienced team performs it with proper imaging, a clean urine test beforehand and a clear plan for the stent. Ask for the written report.
Plan about three to four days if the stent will be removed at home, or 7 to 10 days if you want it out before flying. Your urologist advises on timing and on when it is safe to fly.
Patient stories