How is the procedure performed?
This is normally performed under a brief general anaesthetic via a telescope passed into the bladder. Guidewires are inserted into the ureteric opening in the bladder and, using X-ray screening, passed up into the kidney. A laser fibre is then used to cut through the narrowed area between the ureter and the kidney.
On occasions, the procedure is performed from above by puncturing the kidney and inserting a larger instrument which is also able to carry a laser fibre.
A ureteric stent is then pushed into the correct position, over one of the guidewires, and the wire is removed once positioning has been confirmed by X-ray.
Click here to view an endoscopic video of the procedure, courtesy of Mr Nigel Bullock