Ureteroscopy is a common procedure used to address kidney stones and other issues within the urinary tract. It involves using a thin, flexible instrument called a ureteroscope to visualize and treat problems in the ureters and kidneys. Understanding the recovery process after this procedure can help individuals prepare for and navigate the post-operative period effectively.
Immediate Post-Procedure Recovery
Immediately after ureteroscopy, patients are moved to a recovery area as the effects of anesthesia subside. It is common to experience grogginess and mild discomfort. Medical staff monitor vital signs and manage pain before discharge. Most individuals return home the same day; some require an overnight hospital stay. Before discharge, patients must be able to urinate; if not, a temporary catheter may be placed.
Common Symptoms and How to Manage Them
Following ureteroscopy, patients often experience symptoms. Mild to moderate pain in the flank, bladder, or lower abdomen is common and can be managed with prescribed oral pain medication, such as narcotics, or over-the-counter options like ibuprofen. Patients may transition to non-narcotic pain relievers as discomfort lessens.
Urination changes are common. Blood in the urine is expected for several days and typically resolves with hydration. Increased urinary frequency, urgency, and a burning sensation during urination are also common. Drinking plenty of water helps dilute urine and can alleviate burning sensations. Fatigue is a common post-surgical symptom that should improve within several days.
Life with a Ureteral Stent
A ureteral stent is a thin, flexible tube often placed after ureteroscopy to ensure urine drainage from the kidney to the bladder. This device helps prevent blockages caused by post-operative swelling or small stone fragments. Stents have coils at each end to keep them positioned in the kidney and bladder.
The presence of a ureteral stent commonly causes symptoms. These include bladder spasms, flank pain that may worsen during urination, increased urgency and frequency of urination, and persistent blood in the urine. Discomfort may also be felt with movement. Medications can help relax bladder and ureter muscles, reducing spasms and improving discomfort. Stents are usually temporary, remaining in place for a few days to several weeks, and are removed during a follow-up appointment.
Resuming Normal Activities
Patients should plan for a gradual return to their regular activities after ureteroscopy. Driving is permissible once individuals are no longer taking narcotic pain medication. Most patients resume normal daily activities within 5-7 days, though this timeline may be longer if a ureteral stent is present.
Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for one to two weeks to prevent increased bleeding or discomfort. For the first 24 hours post-procedure, a clear liquid diet is recommended, but patients can return to their regular diet as tolerated thereafter. Maintaining high fluid intake is beneficial for flushing the urinary tract and preventing constipation.
When to Contact Your Doctor and Follow-Up Care
Contact a healthcare provider after ureteroscopy for warning signs. These include a fever greater than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit, severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication, or an inability to urinate. Persistent heavy bleeding with large clots in the urine, foul-smelling urine, or signs of an infection like chills also warrant immediate medical attention.
Follow-up appointments are a routine part of post-ureteroscopy care. These visits, scheduled within 1-2 weeks for stent removal, allow the surgeon to assess recovery and address any ongoing concerns. Later follow-ups, within 4-6 weeks, include imaging like an ultrasound to confirm the absence of residual stone fragments and evaluate for potential complications. Stone analysis results are also discussed during these appointments to help guide strategies for preventing future stone formation.