URS (Ureteroscopy) in Panchkula – Expert Care by Dr. Shreyas Bhalerao

Introduction

Ureteroscopy (URS) is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the ureter and kidney, most commonly ureteral and kidney stones. During URS, a thin, flexible or rigid telescope called a ureteroscope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter or kidney without any external incisions. Dr. Shreyas Bhalerao, Consultant Urologist in Panchkula, is highly experienced in performing URS procedures, offering patients a safe, effective, and rapid-recovery solution for urinary tract problems.

Symptoms That May Indicate a Need for URS

Patients are often referred for ureteroscopy when they experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Severe or recurring flank pain (pain in the side and back, below the ribs)
  • Blood in the urine (hematuria), visible or detected on testing
  • Frequent urinary tract infections that do not resolve with antibiotics
  • Burning or pain during urination
  • Sudden inability to pass urine or reduced urine flow
  • Nausea and vomiting associated with severe pain episodes
  • Detection of a ureteral or kidney stone on imaging scans
  • Unexplained narrowing (stricture) of the ureter found on investigation

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult Dr. Shreyas Bhalerao promptly for a comprehensive evaluation.

Common Causes Addressed by Ureteroscopy

URS is indicated for a range of urological conditions, including:

  • Ureteral Stones: Stones lodged in the ureter that cause obstruction or severe pain
  • Kidney Stones: Smaller kidney stones that can be reached with a flexible ureteroscope
  • Ureteral Strictures: Narrowing of the ureter due to injury, infection, or previous surgery
  • Ureteral Tumours: Suspicious growths within the ureter or renal pelvis requiring biopsy or treatment
  • Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: To investigate structural abnormalities contributing to infections
  • Ureteral Injuries: Evaluation and management following trauma or iatrogenic injury

Diagnosis Before Ureteroscopy

Before recommending URS, Dr. Shreyas Bhalerao conducts a thorough diagnostic workup to ensure the procedure is appropriate for you. This typically includes:

  • Detailed medical history and physical examination
  • Urine analysis and urine culture to check for infection
  • Blood tests including kidney function tests and complete blood count
  • Ultrasound of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB ultrasound)
  • X-ray KUB to identify radio-opaque stones
  • CT KUB scan (non-contrast CT) – the gold standard for detecting and localising urinary stones
  • Intravenous urogram (IVU) or MRI urography in selected cases

These investigations help in planning the safest and most effective ureteroscopic approach for each individual patient.

Treatment Options: How URS Is Performed

URS is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia, typically as a day-care or short-stay procedure. The ureteroscope is gently passed through the natural urinary passages – no skin cuts are needed. When a stone is identified, it is either removed whole using a basket device or fragmented using a Holmium laser (Laser Lithotripsy), after which the fragments pass naturally. A temporary ureteral stent (DJ stent) may be placed at the end of the procedure to ensure proper urine drainage and allow healing.

Types of ureteroscopes used include:

  • Rigid Ureteroscope: Best suited for lower ureteral stones
  • Semi-rigid Ureteroscope: Suitable for mid and some upper ureteral stones
  • Flexible Ureteroscope (FURS): Allows access to the kidney and intrarenal collecting system for upper ureteral and kidney stones

The choice of instrument depends on the location and size of the stone or lesion, which Dr. Shreyas Bhalerao will discuss with you during your consultation.

Why Choose Dr. Shreyas Bhalerao for URS in Panchkula

Dr. Shreyas Bhalerao is a dedicated Consultant Urologist serving patients across Panchkula and the Tricity region (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula). His practice is built on precision, patient safety, and compassionate care. Key reasons to choose Dr. Bhalerao include:

  • Specialised expertise in endourology and minimally invasive urological procedures
  • Experience with both rigid and flexible ureteroscopy, including Holmium laser lithotripsy
  • Personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient's anatomy, stone burden, and health status
  • Access to modern endoscopic equipment for accurate stone clearance
  • Comprehensive pre- and post-operative care to minimise complications and support recovery
  • Clear communication – Dr. Bhalerao ensures patients understand their condition and every step of their treatment

Benefits of Ureteroscopy

  • No external incisions – fully scar-free procedure
  • High stone clearance rates, especially for ureteral stones
  • Suitable for patients who cannot undergo shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)
  • Can be performed safely in patients on blood thinners (with appropriate management)
  • Short hospital stay – often same-day or overnight admission
  • Quick return to normal daily activities
  • Allows simultaneous diagnosis and treatment in a single procedure

Recovery After URS

Recovery from ureteroscopy is generally swift. Most patients are discharged within 24 hours and can resume light activities within a few days. If a DJ stent has been placed, mild urinary frequency, urgency, or discomfort may be experienced until it is removed (typically within 1–4 weeks). Dr. Shreyas Bhalerao will provide detailed post-operative instructions including adequate fluid intake, activity restrictions, and follow-up imaging to confirm stone clearance. Most patients return to normal work within 3–5 days.

Risks and Considerations

URS is a well-established and generally safe procedure; however, as with any medical intervention, there are potential risks that Dr. Bhalerao will discuss with you prior to surgery. These may include:

  • Temporary discomfort or burning with urination
  • Urinary tract infection (mitigated with prophylactic antibiotics)
  • Blood in urine for a few days post-procedure
  • Ureteral injury or perforation (rare)
  • Ureteral stricture formation (rare, long-term)
  • Incomplete stone fragmentation requiring a second procedure
  • Anaesthesia-related risks

When to See a Urologist

You should schedule a consultation with Dr. Shreyas Bhalerao if you have been diagnosed with a ureteral or kidney stone, experience recurrent episodes of renal colic, have persistent blood in your urine, or if previous treatments such as ESWL have not been successful. Early evaluation ensures timely treatment, protects kidney function, and prevents complications such as infection or permanent obstruction. Do not ignore persistent urinary symptoms – prompt specialist assessment can make a significant difference to your long-term urological health.