Main Urology Treatment of urolithiasis Treatment of stones in the ureter

Treatment of urolithiasis at the Oxford Medical Kiev private clinic

Treatment of stones in the ureter

Name: Treatment of stones in the ureter
Brand: Oxford Medical
SKU: 43289
Rating: 4.81 (27 reviews)

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Ureteral stones are hard mineral calculi that enter the lumen of the ureter mainly from the kidneys and disrupt normal urine outflow. This condition is known in clinical practice as ureterolithiasis and is considered one of the most painful forms of urolithiasis. A stone in the ureter may partially or completely block urine flow, causing severe pain, inflammatory complications, and a risk of impaired kidney function.

Treatment of ureteral stones requires accurate diagnostics and an individually tailored approach, as the choice of method depends on the size and location of the calculus, the degree of urine outflow obstruction, the duration of obstruction, and the patient’s general condition.

At the «Oxford Medical» clinic, modern minimally invasive treatment methods are used, allowing for safe stone removal, rapid pain relief, and a reduced risk of complications.

Causes of Ureter Stone Formation

The occurrence of stones in the ureter is usually associated with their formation in the kidneys and subsequent migration through the urinary tract. When a calculus enters the ureteral lumen, it may become lodged in areas of physiological narrowing, leading to impaired urine outflow.

The main factors contributing to ureter stone formation include:

metabolic disorders and changes in the chemical composition of urine;
insufficient fluid intake and concentrated urine;
hereditary predisposition to urolithiasis;
chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases of the urinary system;
anatomical features or strictures of the ureter that hinder stone passage.

In the presence of these factors, even small calculi may become trapped in the ureter, causing pain, inflammation, and impaired kidney function. Therefore, it is important not only to remove the stone but also to identify and correct the underlying causes to prevent recurrent episodes of the disease.

Ureter Stone: Symptoms and Signs

Symptoms depend on the size of the calculus, its location, the degree of lumen obstruction,
and the duration of impaired urine outflow.

The most characteristic symptoms of stone movement in the ureter include:

sharp, intense pain in the lumbar region that may radiate to the groin, lower abdomen, or inner thigh;

urination disorders, including frequent urges, reduced urine output, or a feeling of urine retention;

the presence of blood in the urine due to injury to the ureteral mucosa;

general symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, and elevated body temperature when an inflammatory process develops.

List of diseases

The severity of symptoms may vary depending on the position of the calculus and its movement along the ureter. If intense pain or signs of impaired urine outflow occur, it is important to consult a urologist as soon as possible, as prolonged obstruction may lead to kidney-related complications.

Diagnosis of Ureter Stones

As part of the diagnostic process, the patient may be prescribed:

ultrasound examination of the urinary system, which helps detect signs of obstruction, dilation of the renal pelvis, and the presence of stones;
computed tomography, which is one of the most informative methods for accurate visualization of calculi, their size, and density;
plain urography or other radiological methods as indicated, depending on the type of stone;
laboratory urine and blood tests to detect hematuria, inflammatory processes, and assess kidney function.

Based on the examination results, the urologist determines the location of the stone in the ureter, the degree of urine outflow impairment, and the presence of associated complications. This is a key stage in choosing the treatment method and preventing adverse outcomes of the disease.

Methods of Treating Ureter Stones

The treatment strategy is determined individually and depends on the size and density of the calculus, its location, the duration of impaired urine outflow, the severity of pain, and the functional condition of the kidneys. The main goal of treatment is to eliminate ureteral obstruction, restore normal urine flow, and prevent complications.

Conservative Therapy

Conservative treatment is possible in cases where the calculus is small and there is a likelihood of its spontaneous passage. This approach is used only if the patient’s condition is stable and there are no complications.

Treatment may include:

analgesic and antispasmodic medications to reduce pain;
anti-inflammatory agents;
monitoring and regulation of fluid intake;
dynamic follow-up with assessment of urine outflow and kidney function.

If conservative therapy is ineffective, pain intensifies, or signs of complications appear, surgical intervention is recommended.

Surgical Treatment

In most clinical cases, treatment is performed surgically using modern minimally invasive techniques. Such interventions allow effective stone removal without open surgery, with minimal tissue trauma and a short recovery period.

Indications for surgical intervention include:

intense or prolonged pain not relieved by medication;
impaired urine outflow with a risk of hydronephrosis;
decreased or threatened loss of kidney function;
large or dense calculi that cannot pass spontaneously;
stone impaction in the ureter with complete or partial obstruction;
development of an infectious or inflammatory process;
recurrent or pronounced symptoms of stone movement along the ureter.

Depending on the clinical situation, the following methods may be used:

Laser ureterolithotripsy. A modern minimally invasive method in which the stone is fragmented using laser energy under visual control. The procedure is performed endoscopically through the urethra, without external incisions. The laser allows effective fragmentation of stones of various densities with minimal risk of damage to the ureteral mucosa, after which fragments are passed naturally or removed endoscopically;
Endoscopic removal of a ureteral stone. Used when stone fragmentation is impossible or impractical. Special instruments are inserted through the urethra, allowing the physician to grasp and completely remove the calculus from the ureteral lumen under visual control. This approach enables rapid relief of obstruction and restoration of normal urine flow;
Open or laparoscopic surgery. Applied in exceptional clinical cases when minimally invasive endoscopic methods are ineffective or technically impossible. The decision to perform surgery is made individually after a comprehensive examination of the patient.

A timely and correctly selected treatment method allows effective elimination of ureterolithiasis, reduction of pain, restoration of urine outflow, and prevention of serious kidney complications.

Ureter Stone: Consequences of the Condition

Without timely treatment, a ureteral stone can cause serious disturbances in the urinary system. Prolonged obstruction of the ureter leads to urine stagnation, increased pressure in the kidney, and gradual deterioration of its functional state.

The main complications include:

development of hydronephrosis — dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces due to impaired urine outflow;
decreased kidney function with a risk of developing chronic kidney failure;
development of infectious and inflammatory processes, including pyelonephritis or ureteritis;
general intoxication, elevated body temperature, and worsening of overall well-being;
recurrent pain attacks and relapses of urolithiasis.

Therefore, timely medical consultation and appropriately selected therapy are crucial for preserving kidney function and preventing severe complications.

Private Clinic Services in Kyiv: Cost of Ureter Stone Treatment at Oxford Medical Clinic

The method of ureter stone treatment is selected individually and depends on the size and location of the calculus, the degree of urine outflow impairment, the presence of complications, and the patient’s general condition. Accordingly, the cost of treatment may vary in each clinical case. You can review current prices for medical services in Kyiv at the Oxford Medical clinic on the website. Final information regarding the treatment method and its cost is provided by the urologist after diagnostic evaluation.

To schedule a consultation, you can use the online booking form on the website or contact the clinic’s call center using the listed phone numbers.

A timely consultation with a urologist makes it possible to assess the condition of the urinary system, determine the optimal treatment strategy, and prevent the development of complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a ureteral stone pass in men?

The passage of a ureteral stone in men occurs as the stone gradually moves downward with the flow of urine. The process is often accompanied by renal colic, lower back pain radiating to the groin, and urination disorders. The severity of symptoms depends on the size and shape of the stone and the presence of ureteral spasm.

How does a ureteral stone pass in women?

In women, a ureteral stone also passes with the flow of urine, but the intensity of pain may vary. Pain is often localized in the lower abdomen or lower back, and frequent urges to urinate as well as blood in the urine may occur. The course of the process depends on the size and mobility of the stone.

How long does it take for a ureteral stone to pass?

The passage of a ureteral stone may take from several days to several weeks. This depends on the stone’s size, location, anatomical features of the ureter, and the presence of spasm. If the stone does not move or causes complications, medical intervention is required.

Why is a ureteral stone dangerous?

A ureteral stone is dangerous because it can disrupt urine outflow, lead to hydronephrosis, inflammatory complications, and decreased kidney function. Prolonged obstruction may result in chronic kidney failure. That is why timely medical consultation is essential and self-treatment should be avoided.

How can the passage of a ureteral stone be accelerated?

The strategy for accelerating stone passage is determined by a physician. In some cases, medications are used to relieve spasm, reduce pain, and improve urine outflow. Independent attempts, intense physical activity, or uncontrolled fluid intake can be dangerous and may worsen the condition.

Can a stone pass out of the ureter on its own?

Small stones may pass out of the ureter on their own if there are no complications and urine outflow is preserved. However, even in such cases, follow-up by a urologist is required. Large or dense stones usually require minimally invasive or surgical treatment.

How long can a person live with a stone in the ureter?

Prolonged presence of a stone in the ureter is undesirable. Even with moderate symptoms, delaying treatment increases the risk of kidney-related complications. Acceptable observation periods are determined individually by the physician, taking into account the size of the stone and examination results.

How can you tell if a stone is stuck in the ureter?

Signs that a stone is stuck include intense or persistent pain, lack of stone movement, decreased urine output, blood in the urine, and elevated body temperature. In such a situation, it is necessary to seek medical attention urgently for diagnosis and selection of the appropriate treatment method.