Kidney Stones and the Risks of Treatment

Kidney stones are becoming more common worldwide.

• North America: 13% of people affected
• Europe: Around 9% of people affected

Ureteroscopy: An Effective but Risky Procedure

Doctors often use ureteroscopy to treat kidney stones. This method is known for being effective and safe, but it's not without risks.

How Ureteroscopy Works

During the procedure, doctors use special tools to reach and break up the stones. However, these tools can sometimes cause injuries to the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder.

Causes of Ureteral Injuries

Injuries can occur for several reasons:

• Tool-related factors
• Patient's anatomy
• Size and location of the stones

Examples of Risks:

• Excessive force when inserting tools
• Equipment problems
• Heat from the laser used to break up stones

Severity of Injuries

• Severe cases: The ureter can be completely torn, requiring additional surgery.
• Less severe cases: A stent may be placed to help the ureter heal. However, stents can cause discomfort and other issues.

Research and Prevention

Researchers are actively studying how to prevent these injuries to make the procedure safer and reduce patient problems.

• Step 1: Understanding how injuries happen.
• Step 2: Finding better ways to avoid them.