What happens before laser lithotripsy?

Your provider will give you instructions on how to prepare for laser lithotripsy. Following their directions closely can reduce your risk of complications. Before laser lithotripsy, your provider may ask you to:

Not eat anything for eight hours or the night before the procedure (fast).

Stop taking certain medications before the procedure.

Ask someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Make sure you tell your provider about all the medications you take, including over-the-counter (OTC) and herbal supplements.

Sometimes during a scheduled lithotripsy, a provider has to place a stent to widen your ureter and reschedule the procedure for two to three weeks later.

During a laser lithotripsy performed with ureteroscopy, a provider will:

Put you under general anesthesia so you’ll be asleep during the procedure.

Insert a scope into your urethra.

Put a fiber through the scope with a laser on the end.

Break up the stone with the laser.

Collect the pieces of the stone in a basket.

Place a temporary tube (ureteral stent) that allows pee and small pieces of the stone to leave your body. Your provider will remove the stent at a later date (usually days to weeks later).

Remove the scope.

Laser lithotripsy usually takes one to two hours.

Since you’ll be under anesthesia, you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. You may have some pain or discomfort after the procedure.

After laser lithotripsy, providers will monitor you until it’s safe for you to go home. You’ll need someone to drive you. Your provider may prescribe pain medication, medications for stent discomfort and a few days of antibiotics.