Minimally Invasive Kidney / Ureteric Stone Surgery
Kidney stone laser surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients requiring surgical management of kidney and ureteric stones. At Urology SA, our specialist urologists, Dr Jimmy Lam and Dr Jehan Titus, are highly experienced in the treatment of urological stone disease.
Dr’s Lam and Titus use state-of-the-art holmium laser technology, including advanced Moses™ technology, allowing kidney stones to be fragmented safely, precisely, and effectively.
What Is Kidney Stone Laser Surgery?
Kidney or ureteric stone laser surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat kidney stones without the need for surgical incisions.
The procedure involves directing laser energy at the stone to break it into smaller fragments. These fragments can either be:
- Removed during the procedure using specialised instruments, or
- Passed naturally through the urine after surgery
The surgery is most commonly performed at the same time as a ureteroscopy, which allows the surgeon to directly visualise the urinary tract during treatment.
Who Is Kidney or Ureteric Stone Laser Surgery Suitable For?
This surgery may be recommended for patients with kidney or ureteric stones that are causing symptoms or have the potential to cause complications.
The stones are often discovered incidentally on imaging such as X-ray or CT scan and may not initially cause symptoms. However, untreated stones can lead to pain, infection, or blockage of the urinary tract.
Symptoms of Stone Disease May Include:
- Back or flank pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Blood in the urine
Suitability for surgery depends on several factors, including:
- Number, size, shape, and location of the stones
- Presence or absence of symptoms
- Kidney function
- Overall health of the patient
In cases where stones are very large or kidney anatomy is complex, laser surgery may not be the most appropriate option. In these situations, the urologists at Urology SA will recommend alternative treatments.
Advantages of Kidney or Ureteric Stone Laser Surgery
Laser stone surgery offers several advantages over open surgery or more invasive procedures such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
Key Benefits Include:
- No surgical incisions
- Minimally invasive treatment
- Reduced pain and recovery time
- Same-day discharge in most cases
- Faster return to normal activities
The use of Moses™ and other laser technology allows effective fragmentation of kidney stones of various sizes and compositions, with excellent visualisation through the ureteroscope.
How Is Laser Stone Surgery Performed?
- The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes around one hour
- A thin camera (ureteroscope) is passed through the urethra into the bladder, ureter, and kidney
- Once the stone is identified, a holmium laser using Moses™ or other technology is used to fragment it
- Larger fragments are removed using specialised instruments
- Smaller fragments pass naturally in the urine
- In some cases, a temporary ureteric stent may be placed to assist healing and allow fragments to pass more easily
Kidney and Ureteric Stone Laser Surgery at Urology SA
Dr Jimmy Lam and Dr Jehan Titus provide safe, fast, and effective treatment for kidney and ureteric stones using advanced laser technology, and their team are committed to delivering personalised, patient-focused care.
Both surgeons consult and operate at several private hospitals across South Australia, allowing patients to receive treatment close to home.
