A ureteroscopy is a procedure that involves looking at the top half of the urinary system (kidneys and ureter). A ureteroscopy is performed by inserting a telescope-like device, called a ureteroscope, into the urethra, through the bladder to the ureter and kidneys. The ureteroscope is around the same thickness as a narrow pencil. It has a small camera on the end so that the surgeon can examine the kidneys and ureter.
A ureteroscopy is usually performed under general anaesthetic. The procedure will usually take around 30 minutes, but this will differ depending on what is being investigated. Once the ureteroscopy is finished and the anaesthetic has worn off, you will be able to go home (around 2-4 hours after the procedure).
A ureteroscopy is often performed to treat kidney stones, however it can also be used to investigate unexplained bleeding, assess cancer and assess how treatment is working. These conditions can usually be picked up a scan, so you should only need a ureteroscopy if your doctor requests further investigations.