Ureteroscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to look inside the upper urinary tract, which includes the kidneys and ureters. It is performed by a urologist and is commonly used to find and treat problems such as kidney stones, blockages, or abnormal growths. This minimally invasive procedure is considered safe and effective, allowing most people to recover well within a few days. With advances in technology, ureteroscopy has become a standard way to manage many urinary tract issues.

Ureteroscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses a thin tube (which may be flexible or rigid) with a camera and light, called a ureteroscope, to examine the inside of the ureters and kidneys. The kidneys are the two bean-shaped organs that filter waste from the blood and make urine. The ureters are the two tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder so it can exit the body through the urethra.

During the procedure, a urologist gently passes the ureteroscope through the urethra and bladder and into one of the ureters. This lets the doctor view the inside surfaces of the ureters and kidneys, spot blockages or stones, take small samples (biopsies) for testing, or remove stones.

Someone might need ureteroscopy when they have symptoms or test results that indicate problems in the ureters or kidneys, including pain, blood in the urine (hematuria), or recurrent infections.

One of the most common uses of ureteroscopy is to find and remove kidney stones in the ureter or kidney, especially if they cause pain, block urine flow, or cause infections. Ureteroscopy is one of the safer and more effective options for treating stones in appropriately selected individuals.

Urologists also use ureteroscopy to diagnose and treat abnormal tissue, including cancerous and noncancerous growths. During the procedure, doctors can take biopsies of suspicious areas for further testing and treatment planning.

Additionally, ureteroscopy can help diagnose and treat narrowing (strictures) or scarring of the ureter that blocks the flow of urine. In such cases, doctors may place a small tube called a stent in the ureter to keep it open and allow urine to flow freely.

Ureteroscopy may not be recommended for everyone. People who cannot safely have anesthesia, have uncontrolled medical issues, or have an active urinary tract infection may not be good candidates for the procedure.

One benefit of ureteroscopy is that there is a very low bleeding risk in most cases; however, in some instances, the doctor may ask a patient to stop taking specific blood thinners prior to surgery with guidance from the physician who prescribed them. In some cases, the anatomy of the urinary tract makes it very challenging to pass the scope through, and the doctor may recommend another procedure instead. Ultimately, the urologist will consider many factors when considering ureteroscopy or an alternative procedure.

Preparation for ureteroscopy involves several important steps to ensure a safe and smooth procedure. The doctor will provide specific instructions based on the person’s health needs. Doctors may also order tests before ureteroscopy to check for infections, locate stones or blockages, and assess overall health.

Before the procedure, the doctor will ask about past surgeries and any prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medicines. Some medicines, especially blood thinners, may need to be stopped before the procedure if the clinician who prescribed them determines that it is safe to do so. The doctor will also perform a urine test to ensure that no infection is present. Other tests may include:

• Blood tests to evaluate kidney function and check for bleeding problems
• Imaging tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, renal (kidney) ultrasound, or an abdominal X-ray to locate stones or other problems in the urinary tract

If tests show that an infection is present, it must be treated and cleared before ureteroscopy can take place.

People preparing for ureteroscopy should expect to:

• Arrange for someone to drive them home and stay with them for at least 24 hours after the procedure
• Follow any special instructions about eating or drinking the day before the procedure, what medicines to take on the day of surgery, and when to arrive at the facility

People should ask their doctor or nurse if they have any questions or concerns about the preparation steps or the procedure itself.

During ureteroscopy, a team of medical professionals performs a variety of functions to ensure a safe and comfortable procedure, whether it takes place in a doctor’s office, surgical center, or hospital. The team usually includes a urologist and a nurse, as well as an anesthesia team. Most people receive general anesthesia and are completely asleep and do not feel pain during the procedure.

Once the anesthesia takes effect, the team will help position the person on the surgical table so that they can access the groin and urethra. Usually, that means the person is lying on their back with their feet in stirrups. Before proceeding with the procedure, a team member will carefully clean the groin and urethra. This lowers the risk of infection.

After the person receives anesthesia and is positioned and prepared for the procedure, the doctor threads the ureteroscope through the urethra and bladder, up into the ureter, and sometimes into the kidney. During the procedure, images of the inside of the ureters and kidneys are displayed on a monitor.

Depending on the reason for the procedure, the doctor may:

• Use tools or a laser to remove kidney stones or break them up so that they can pass on their own in urine
• Examine and address any narrowing or scarring in the ureter
• Insert a stent to keep the ureter open and help urine or stone pieces move through more easily
• Collect a biopsy for testing
• Remove or treat unusual growths or tumors

The procedure typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes but may take longer depending on the treatment. When the procedure is complete, the doctor removes the ureteroscope and any tools used. If they placed a stent, it will stay in the ureter for a few days to a few weeks before removal in a separate procedure or with the help of a tether string (a string attached to the stent that extends outside the body and is used to remove the stent).

Ureteroscopy is generally safe, but like any medical procedure, it carries some risks and the possibility of complications. Most complications are mild and resolve quickly, but a few can be more serious.

Possible risks and complications of ureteroscopy include:

• Pain or burning on urination: Pain, burning, or discomfort in the bladder or kidney area may occur for a short time following the procedure and while the stent remains in place; the doctor will prescribe medications to help manage these symptoms.
• Bleeding: Some blood in the urine is common for a few days after the procedure, though heavy bleeding is rare.
• Problems with urination: Some people may have trouble urinating or may need to urinate more often for a short time after the procedure.
• Urinary tract infection: Bacteria can occasionally get pushed into the urinary tract during the procedure and cause infection.
• Injury to the urinary tract: Rarely, the ureter, kidney, bladder, or urethra can be injured during the procedure.
• Scar tissue or narrowing: Scar tissue can form in the ureter, causing narrowing that may need more treatment.
• Complications from anesthesia: Reactions to anesthesia, such as breathing problems or allergic reactions, can occur but are not common.

People should contact a doctor right away if they cannot urinate, have severe pain, see large blood clots or bright red blood in the urine, or develop a fever or chills.

Most people can return home the same day after ureteroscopy and recover within a few days. As the anesthesia wears off, it is common to feel tired or a bit groggy. Mild pain, burning when urinating, or blood in the urine are normal for the first few days. If the doctor placed a stent during the procedure, it may cause discomfort in the side, back, or bladder. Some people feel like they need to urinate more often.

To ease recovery from the procedure, people should:

• Rest for at least 24 hours with someone nearby
• Drink extra water to help clear the urinary tract and reduce irritation
• Take all prescribed medicines, including pain relievers or antibiotics, exactly as directed
• Take a warm bath or use a heating pad for comfort if the doctor says it is safe
• Eat when hungry, starting with light foods (such as eggs, toast, soup) if they feel sick to their stomach
• Avoid driving until they have stopped taking any narcotic pain medication

Most people feel better within five to seven days. Those with a stent may need more time. A follow-up visit is usually scheduled to check healing and, if needed, to remove the stent.

The outlook for people who have ureteroscopy is generally very good. Most people recover quickly. Ureteroscopy is highly effective at removing stones, treating many urinary tract issues, and relieving symptoms such as pain or blockage. The risk of serious complications is low. Recent improvements in technology and technique make the procedure safer and more comfortable.

For most, ureteroscopy provides lasting relief from urinary tract problems, especially when combined with follow-up care and preventive steps.

This article was medically reviewed in July 2026.