Minimally Invasive Stone Surgery

Although many stones can be treated with ESWL, there are cases where other surgical options are more effective. Dr. Nakada and his colleagues regularly perform percutaneous nephrolithotomy, ureteroscopy, and ureteronephroscopy to treat patients with complex stone disease. The procedure selected depends on the size and location of the stone.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

To remove large stones in the kidney, a small incision is made in the lower back. The stones are directly removed from the kidney through a scope (see diagram below).

Rigid Ureteroscopy

To remove stones in the ureter, a rigid scope is inserted through the bladder into the ureter. Stones are broken up with a laser and extracted through the scope (see diagram below).

Flexible Ureteronephroscopy

To remove small stones in the kidney, a flexible scope is inserted through the bladder and ureter into the kidney. Stones are broken up with a laser and extracted through the scope (see diagram below).