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Treatment in Clifton, NJ

Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy

Precise Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones

Introduction to Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy

Kidney stones can cause a lot of pain and other urinary symptoms. Some small stones pass on their own, but larger ones often need medical treatment to help you feel better and get back to normal.

Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy is an effective way to find, break up, and remove kidney stones without any cuts on the outside of your body.

At East Coast Advanced Urology in Clifton, NJ, Dr. Karl Coutinho provides individualized kidney stone treatment. He welcomes patients from throughout the greater New York metropolitan area and carefully evaluates each stone to determine whether ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy or another treatment may be the most appropriate approach.

Distinguished mature businessman with gray beard and glasses holding jacket over shoulder - ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy in Clifton, NJ

What is Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy?

Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove kidney and ureteral stones that are too big to pass on their own or are not likely to respond to other treatments.

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During the procedure, Dr. Coutinho gently inserts a thin, flexible tube called a ureteroscope through the urethra, into the bladder, and up to the ureter to find the stone. He then uses a special laser to break the stone into smaller pieces.

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Depending on where the stone is and how big it is, the small pieces may be taken out with tiny baskets or left to pass naturally through your urinary tract.

Other Treatments for Kidney Stones

Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy is an effective option for many kidney and ureteral stones, but another procedure may sometimes be more appropriate. Dr. Coutinho will consider the size and location of your stone, along with other factors, when developing your treatment plan.

Shockwave Lithotripsy 

Shockwave lithotripsy uses focused shock waves to break certain kidney and ureteral stones into smaller pieces that can pass through the urinary tract. Dr. Coutinho may recommend ESWL instead of ureteroscopy when the stone’s characteristics and location make it a suitable option.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy?

At your consultation, Dr. Coutinho will decide whether ureteroscopy is right for you by assessing the size, location, and characteristics of your kidney stone, along with your symptoms and overall health.

Ideal candidates may include:

  • People with kidney or ureteral stones that are unlikely to pass on their own
  • Those with stones that may not respond well to shockwave lithotripsy
  • Patients who continue to experience symptoms from a kidney or ureteral stone
  • Individuals who need a stone to be directly located, broken apart, and removed
  • People who are healthy enough to undergo an outpatient procedure with anesthesia

What Are the Benefits of Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy?

Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy works well for many kidney and ureteral stones, including stones that may be too large, too hard, or located in an area where shockwave treatment may be less effective.

When both ureteroscopy and shockwave lithotripsy are reasonable options, ureteroscopy generally has a higher chance of being stone-free after a single procedure, while shockwave lithotripsy is less invasive and typically has lower procedural morbidity. The best choice depends on stone location, size, density, anatomy, and patient priorities.

Benefits include:

  • No surgical cuts are needed for this minimally invasive procedure
  • It can treat stones in both the kidney and the ureter
  • Many stone pieces can be removed during the procedure
  • The stone can be directly located and treated
  • Most patients can return home the same day
Kidney and Bladder Stone Procedures-evaluation

How to Begin Your Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy Evaluation

Your treatment starts with a full evaluation to determine the appropriate way to address your kidney stone.

Patients will need to:

  • Set up a consultation with Dr. Coutinho in Clifton, NJ.
  • Complete any recommended imaging or tests.
  • Go over your treatment plan and ask any questions you may have.
  • Follow the instructions you are given before the procedure, including any necessary changes to your medications.
  • On the day of your procedure, arrive prepared for your treatment.

What to Expect on the Day of Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy

Anesthesia is used during ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy to keep you comfortable. Dr. Coutinho will pass a small scope through the urinary tract to locate the stone and then use a laser to break it into smaller pieces. Many of these pieces can be removed during the procedure, while smaller fragments may be left to pass on their own afterward.

Depending on your treatment, a temporary ureteral stent may be placed to keep urine flowing and allow the ureter to heal. Ureteroscopy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing many patients to return home the same day.

Kidney and Bladder Stone Procedures-expect

Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Laser Lithotripsy Care

Many patients can return home the same day as their ureteroscopy and gradually resume normal activities as they feel better. Mild burning with urination, blood in the urine, frequent urges to urinate, or some discomfort can occur during the first part of recovery.

If a ureteral stent is placed, you may notice additional urinary urgency, frequency, or discomfort while it remains in place. Dr. Coutinho will let you know when the stent should be removed or exchanged. He will also provide instructions regarding fluids, activity, medications, and follow-up care based on your individual recovery.

How Much Does Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy Cost in New Jersey?

The cost of ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy in Clifton, NJ, and the greater New York metropolitan area depends on factors such as procedure complexity, anesthesia, imaging, and your insurance coverage.

Insurance coverage will depend on your individual plan. Before treatment, our team can help review your benefits and explain any costs you may be responsible for.

Why Choose Dr. Coutinho?

Dr. Karl Coutinho treats kidney and ureteral stones with ureteroscopy and shockwave lithotripsy, allowing treatment to be selected based on stone size, location, density, anatomy, symptoms, infection risk, and the likelihood that fragments will pass. The goal is to use the least invasive approach that is likely to clear the stone safely and effectively.

He completed urology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital and fellowship training in genitourinary trauma and reconstruction at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and University Hospitals of Cleveland. His reconstructive background is also relevant when stone treatment involves difficult ureteral anatomy, previous urinary surgery, or concern for ureteral injury or narrowing.

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Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy FAQ’S

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Patient Reviews

  • My surgery was life changing and the recovery period was better than I ever expected. I would highly recommend Dr Coutinho , he is the best.

    View Gallery Claude R.

  • I had an outstanding experience with Dr. Coutinho and their entire urology team. They truly go above and beyond.

    View Gallery Jenney S.

  • Dr Karl Coutinho is an excellent doctor in his field. He made me feel whole again after doing two procedures for me.

    View Gallery Keith A.

  • I’ve never met a doctor so empathetic

    I’ve never met a doctor so empathetic, professional and Knowledgeable Dr Coutinho performed a very difficult surgery on me. I had absolutely no pain.

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Patient Reviews

East Coast Advanced Urology

Schedule Your Consultation

If you have symptoms of a kidney stone or have already been diagnosed with one, schedule a consultation with Dr. Karl Coutinho at East Coast Advanced Urology in Clifton, NJ. He can review your symptoms and imaging, evaluate your stone, and determine whether ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy may be appropriate for you.

Dr. Coutinho welcomes patients from throughout the greater New York metropolitan area. Call today to schedule your consultation.

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