Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Open Ureterolithotomy

(Removal of Stones in Ureter)

Open Yur-e-ter-o-lith-aw-toe-me

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

An open ureterolithotomy is a surgery to remove stones from the ureter.

The ureter is a tube between the kidney and the bladder. Urine passes down to the bladder through this tube.

The Urinary Tract

Reasons for Procedure

Ureterolithotomy is used to remove stones in a ureter that:

Are too large to pass
Cause pain or bleeding
Cause infection
Block the flow of urine
Place pressure on the kidney

Possible Complications

Problems from the test are rare. However, all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Adverse reaction to anesthesia
Infection
Excess bleeding
Heart attack or stroke
Blood clots
Excess scarring or narrowing in the ureter that can lead to kidney problems
Failure to remove the kidney stone
Problems urinating
Bowel blockages
Excess scarring of incision
Hernia
Death

Smoking may increase your risk of complications.

Talk to your doctor about these risks before the procedure.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may do the following:
- Take images of your urinary system to locate the stone
- Take blood and urine tests
- Ask about your medical history
Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking. Do not start taking any new medications, herbs, or supplements without talking to your doctor.
You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.
Arrange for a ride from the hospital. Arrange for help at home as you recover.
The night before your surgery, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless told otherwise by your doctor.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep through the procedure.

Description of the Procedure

An incision will be made in your side or abdomen. The incision location will depend on exactly where the stone is. Both muscle and skin will need to be cut to expose the ureter. The stone will be located in the ureter. An incision will be made in the ureter just above the stone. The stone will then be removed. A stent may be placed in the ureter. This is a device to help keep the ureter open. The ureter will then be sewn shut with stitches. The muscles and skin will then be sewn shut with stitches or staples. A tube will be placed in the wound. It will help drain out any extra fluids while the wound heals.

The stone may be sent to a laboratory for testing.

Immediately After Procedure

After the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. X-rays may be taken to make sure the stone was completely removed.

How Long Will It Take?

About 60-90 minutes

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. You will be given medication to help manage pain during recovery.

Average Hospital Stay

You may need to stay in the hospital for about 3 to 4 days. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

You may need oxygen for a brief time after your operation.
You will have a tube near your incision. It will be removed once fluid stops draining from the wound. This generally happens within 3 to 4 days of surgery.
You may have an IV until you are eating and drinking normally.
You will have a catheter that will drain your urine until you are able to move around on your own.
You will be given pain medication as needed.
You may be encouraged to exercise by walking the day after surgery.
You may be given blood thinning medication to prevent clots.

At Home

It can take 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover from this procedure. Follow your doctor's instructions about activity restrictions. Ask our doctor when you can resume sexual activity.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

Extreme urge or inability to urinate
Excess bleeding
Bruising
Redness or swelling at the site of the incision
Pus draining from the site of the incision
Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Pain that you cannot control with the medications you were given
Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

National Kidney Foundation
https://www.kidney.org

Urology Care Foundation
http://www.urologyhealth.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

The Kidney Foundation of Canada
https://www.kidney.ca

References:

Kidney stones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones. Accessed January 29, 2021.

Skrepetis K, Doumas K, Siafakas I, Lykourinas M. Laparoscopic versus open ureterolithotomy. A comparative study. Eur Urol. 2001;40(1):32-36.

Patient information: Open removal of stone from ureter. Addenbrooke’s Hospital NHS website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed January 29, 2021.

Ureterolithotomy (open) consent form. Queensland Government website. Available at: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/145824/urology_21.pdf. Accessed January 29, 2021.

Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD
Last Updated: 1/29/2021

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