COMPLICATIONS

When performed properly, ureteroscopy is associated with few complications. The most common complications include stent colic (discomfort from the ureteral stent), transient hematuria, and urinary tract infection. The most concerning complication is ureteral perforation. Most cases of ureteral perforation, however, successfully heal with stent deployment alone. Ureteral avulsion is a rare complication of ureteroscopy that is most often repaired using open surgical technique.

FOLLOW-UP

Ureteroscopy is typically performed on an outpatient basis and does not require hospital admission. At present, there is no standard protocol for postoperative follow-up. A typical evaluation to rule out residual stone disease or stricture formation may include CT scan; radiograph of the kidneys, ureter, and bladder; or renal ultrasound. If a ureteral stent is placed after an uncomplicated ureteroscopy, it is usually removed 3 to 14 days later.