Both men and women can get stones or blockages in their kidneys, ureters, or bladder.
Most small stones will pass on their own and while they travel down the urinary system you might require pain medication to help with associated discomfort. You might be prescribed additional medications to help relax the ureter and promote quicker passage of the stone. Other times, surgery might be necessary to solve the problem.If your doctor has diagnosed you with kidney, ureter or bladder stones, you may want to meet with an endourologist.
The endourology experts in the UPMC Urology Department use minimally invasive techniques to treat simple and complex stone diseases.
They also use minimally invasive techniques to treat tumors of the lining of the kidney and ureter as well as correct problems in the kidneys and ureters present since birth or acquired later in life, such as obstruction of the junction between the kidney and ureter (UPJ obstruction).
Endourology refers to a subspecialty in urology where minimally invasive techniques are used to inspect the urinary tract and perform surgery. A surgeon with special training feeds tiny cameras and surgical tools through a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. He or she inserts the scope into natural openings in the body, such as the urethra.
Most treatments are outpatient, meaning you can avoid a hospital stay. In select cases involving complex stone disease your surgeon may suggest percutaneous removal of the stone. Most patients stay overnight after this procedure.
Because these procedures involve no or very small incisions, you're less likely to scar or get an infection. You'll also heal faster than with open surgeries.
Endourology procedures treat a range of conditions:
Your UPMC endourologist will propose the best treatment for your condition, likely based on the location of the stones, tumor, or blockage.
Our team performs a range of procedures to treat urologic conditions:
When needed, we also use other methods to treat stone disease:
The UPMC Department of Urology:
UPMC accepts most insurance.
Some procedures may need prior approval, so check with your health plan before you make an appointment.
For relief of kidney and urinary stone disorders, or to learn about treatments, make an appointment with the UPMC Department of Urology.