At a glance
Key points
- What it is: endoscopic procedure performed under general anaesthetic with a straight (semi-rigid) telescope, reaching the distal and mid ureter via the bladder. No external cuts.1,2,7
- Who it is for: distal and mid-ureteric stones, diagnostic inspection of the ureter, biopsy of suspicious lesions, retrograde ureteropyelogram and assessment of short distal strictures.1,2,7
- Not used alone for: stones inside the kidney or in the upper ureter - those need a flexible ureteroscope.1,2,7
- Stone-free rate: around 82 per cent overall for ureteroscopy in the 2025 EAU meta-analysis of 146,845 patients; 90 to 95 per cent single-session for distal ureteric stones specifically.5,7
- Anaesthesia: general anaesthetic as a day case; procedure typically 30–60 minutes.1,2,8
- Main risks: blood in the urine for 24–48 hours, stent discomfort, urinary infection (3–5 per cent), ureteric perforation (1–2 per cent), avulsion (below 0.5 per cent), long-term stricture (0.5–1 per cent), residual fragments in a minority of cases.1,2,9
What is rigid ureteroscopy?
Rigid ureteroscopy is an endoscopic operation performed under general anaesthetic, without any external incision. A thin, straight telescope - the ureteroscope - is passed through the urethra, into the bladder, and up one of the ureters (the thin tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder). "Rigid" is the traditional term; most contemporary scopes are in fact semi-rigid, meaning the long working shaft is made of a fibre-optic bundle that tolerates slight flex but is not deflectable at the tip.7
A semi-rigid ureteroscope typically has:
- A narrow outer diameter (often around 6.5 to 8.5 French at the tip, 9.5 to 11 French at the base) so it can pass through the ureter without dilatation in most adults.7
- Two small working channels, which allow saline irrigation and the simultaneous passage of instruments - a stone basket, a laser fibre, or biopsy forceps.7
- High-resolution straight-field optics, with irrigation that clears blood and debris better than most flexible scopes because the channels are relatively wide.7
Because the scope is rigid and runs in a straight line, the useful working length reaches the distal and mid ureter but usually stops short of the kidney and proximal ureter. For stones inside the kidney or the upper ureter, a flexible ureteroscope is needed instead - and in many contemporary cases both instruments are used in the same sitting. See Kidney Stones for how the two approaches fit into the wider menu of stone treatments.1,2
Rigid versus flexible - when each is preferred
Although rigid and flexible ureteroscopes are often used together in the same operation, their typical roles differ.
Rigid ureteroscopy is preferred for
- Distal and mid-ureteric stones, where the straight field of view and good irrigation of a rigid scope allow efficient fragmentation and removal.1,2,7
- Impacted distal stones that a flexible scope cannot easily dislodge without risk of ureteric injury, because the larger working channel of the rigid scope accepts a larger laser fibre or basket.7
- Diagnostic inspection of the distal ureter for filling defects, urothelial tumours, or strictures seen on CT urography or MR urography.1,7
- Tissue biopsy of a lesion in the distal or mid ureter - the rigid scope has a wider working channel that accepts larger biopsy forceps than most flexible scopes.7
- Retrograde ureteropyelogram - injecting contrast under fluoroscopy to delineate the ureter and renal pelvis.7
- Short ureteric strictures in the lower ureter that need balloon dilatation or endoscopic incision.1
Flexible ureteroscopy is preferred for
- Stones in the renal pelvis or kidney calyces.
- Stones in the upper ureter above the iliac vessels.
- Inspection and biopsy of lesions anywhere within the kidney.
See Flexible Ureteroscopy + Holmium Laser for the full flexible-scope procedure page.
Combined rigid + flexible cases
For a patient with a stone in the ureter and a second stone in the kidney - not an uncommon finding - Dr Kooner may plan a combined rigid plus flexible procedure in the same operation, fragmenting the distal stone first with the rigid scope and then passing the flexible scope over a safety guidewire into the kidney to treat the second stone. This avoids two separate anaesthetics.1,2
When rigid ureteroscopy is recommended
Stones in the lower ureter
For a distal ureteric stone of 10 mm or less, both shockwave lithotripsy and ureteroscopy are acceptable first-line options (AUA 2026: Conditional Recommendation, Evidence Level Grade B; EAU 2025 aligned). Rigid (or semi-rigid) ureteroscopy tends to achieve higher single-session stone-free rates than shockwave lithotripsy for distal stones and is preferred when stone-free confirmation in one sitting is important, when the stone is impacted, or when the patient is on anticoagulation.1,2,5
Stones in the mid ureter
Mid-ureteric stones (between the sacrum and the iliac vessels) are treated with either rigid or flexible ureteroscopy depending on patient anatomy and local preference. The rigid scope usually reaches the pelvic brim reliably; above the iliac vessels the flexible scope is normally used.1,2
Diagnostic ureteroscopy
Diagnostic ureteroscopy - inspection of the ureter and biopsy of any suspicious area - is indicated for the workup of visible or unexplained microscopic haematuria when imaging shows a filling defect or a suspicious lesion, and for surveillance of known upper-tract urothelial carcinoma.1,7 Rigid ureteroscopy is often combined with flexible ureteroscopy so that the whole upper urinary tract can be examined in one sitting.7
Ureteric strictures and access
Short distal ureteric strictures can be assessed, biopsied if needed, and sometimes treated endoscopically (with balloon dilatation or a small laser incision) via a rigid scope. Rigid ureteroscopy is also occasionally used to deliver a retrograde ureteropyelogram or to place a stent or nephrostomy guidewire where access via the bladder is difficult.1
When ureteroscopy is preferred over shockwave lithotripsy
Current EAU 2025 and AUA 2026 guidelines list ureteroscopy as an acceptable first-line option for distal ureteric stones up to 10 mm and proximal ureteric stones smaller than 2 cm, alongside shockwave lithotripsy. Ureteroscopy tends to be preferred when:1,2
- The stone is impacted, unusually hard on CT (broadly above 1000 Hounsfield units), or unlikely to be seen on fluoroscopy (uric acid, cystine).
- A single-session stone-free outcome is important - for example, to allow the patient to return to work without further treatment.
- The patient is on long-term anticoagulation that cannot safely be paused.
- Shockwave lithotripsy has already failed twice - AUA 2026 recommends switching to ureteroscopy rather than continuing with further ESWL sessions (Evidence Level Grade C).2
See Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) for the non-invasive alternative.
When rigid ureteroscopy is not recommended
Being explicit about when rigid ureteroscopy is not the right approach is as important as the list of indications.
Stone or anatomical factors
- Stones inside the kidney or in the proximal ureter above the iliac vessels. The rigid scope cannot reliably reach these. A flexible ureteroscope - with or without a ureteral access sheath - is needed instead.1,2,7
- Severely tortuous ureter. A tortuous or angled ureter may not straighten enough to accept a rigid scope safely; a flexible scope is used.7
- Impassable distal obstruction. If a distal stricture or impacted stone cannot be negotiated with a safety guidewire, ureteroscopy is not safe in that sitting - a ureteric stent or a nephrostomy is placed first and the procedure is staged.1,7
Patient factors - absolute contraindications
- Uncontrolled urinary-tract infection. Instrumenting an infected, obstructed system risks urosepsis. The infection is treated first and ureteroscopy is deferred.1,2
- Uncorrected coagulation disorder. Active bleeding diatheses require correction before instrumentation of the ureter.1,2
Patient factors - relative considerations
- Anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy. Ureteroscopy can often be performed without interrupting anticoagulation - particularly when compared with shockwave lithotripsy, which is usually contraindicated on uninterrupted anticoagulation - but the decision is made jointly with the prescribing cardiologist or haematologist for each patient.1,2
- Previous urinary or pelvic surgery. Prior urinary reconstruction, pelvic radiotherapy, or prior stricture disease can complicate access. Pre-operative imaging is reviewed carefully and a flexible scope may be preferred.1
- Pregnancy. Ureteroscopy (rigid or flexible) with laser lithotripsy is the preferred active stone treatment in pregnancy when intervention is needed, because shockwave lithotripsy is contraindicated and PCNL is unsafe in late pregnancy. The case is done jointly with an obstetric anaesthetist and with careful radiation avoidance.1
How Dr Kooner performs it
Under general anaesthetic, and after confirming a sterile urine culture (or, where urgent, appropriate broad-spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis):
- Cystoscopy. A flexible or rigid cystoscope is passed first to inspect the bladder and identify the ureteric orifice on the affected side.7
- Safety guidewire. A soft, floppy-tipped guidewire is gently passed up the ureter into the renal pelvis under fluoroscopic guidance. This wire is left in throughout the procedure as a "safety wire" so the ureter can always be re-cannulated if the scope needs to be withdrawn.7
- Semi-rigid ureteroscope. The semi-rigid scope is passed up the ureter alongside (or parallel to) the safety wire under direct vision and fluoroscopy, with continuous saline irrigation.7
- Stone treatment. The stone is identified, captured in a stone basket and removed directly where size allows, or fragmented using a Holmium:YAG (or increasingly a thulium fibre) laser passed through the working channel. Fragments are either retrieved with a basket or allowed to flush out.1,2,7
- Diagnostic or biopsy case. Where the operation is diagnostic rather than for a stone, the abnormal area is photographed, brushed or biopsied through the working channel, and a retrograde ureteropyelogram may be performed if the image is inadequate.7
- Transition to flexible ureteroscope. If an upper-tract stone or abnormality also needs treatment, a flexible scope is passed in the same sitting over the safety wire.1,2
- Ureteric stent. A temporary ureteric stent (a soft plastic tube between kidney and bladder) is usually placed at the end of a stone-treatment ureteroscopy to allow the ureter to settle, particularly if instrumentation has been prolonged, if there is any mucosal swelling, or if a laser has been used on an impacted stone. The stent is left for one to two weeks and then removed in a brief clinic appointment.1,2,8
- Wake and transfer. The patient is woken in theatre and moved to recovery. Most patients go home the same day or the following morning.1,2
Intra-operative fluoroscopy is used sparingly and with appropriate shielding. Stone fragments are sent for mineralogical analysis, because stone composition guides medical prevention and is strongly supported by EAU 2025 for all first-time stone-formers and for patients with recurrent stones.1
Your journey - what to expect
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Before
Planning
A non-contrast CT of the urinary tract confirms stone size, location, density and whether there is obstruction; a urine culture confirms no active infection. Anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication is reviewed with the prescribing physician. Standard fasting is 6 hours before the procedure (clear fluids usually allowed up to 2 hours before), per Australian anaesthetic guidance.1,2,10
-
Day of surgery
The procedure
Admission 2–3 hours before the operation. A single dose of prophylactic antibiotic is given per EAU and AUA recommendations. The procedure itself usually takes 30 to 60 minutes for an uncomplicated distal ureteric stone, longer for combined rigid + flexible cases or for larger stones.1,2
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Same day – next morning
Going home
Most patients go home the same day after a 2 to 4 hour recovery period; a small proportion stay overnight, usually because the procedure finished late in the day or because there was significant ureteric oedema. Do not drive, operate machinery, sign important documents or drink alcohol for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic, and arrange a responsible adult to accompany you home.1,2,8,10
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1–2 weeks
Living with the stent
If a stent has been left in place, expect some urinary urgency, frequency, a sensation of incomplete emptying, and mild flank pain when passing urine - caused by urine reflux up the stent. Around 80 per cent of patients experience at least one stent-related symptom. Simple analgesia, a short course of an alpha-blocker or an anticholinergic, and adequate hydration usually control the symptoms; they resolve rapidly after the stent is removed.1,2,8
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1–2 weeks
Stent removal
The ureteric stent is removed in a brief clinic appointment using a flexible cystoscope, usually under local anaesthetic gel. See Ureteric Stents for practical advice.8
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4–6 weeks
Follow-up imaging
An imaging check (ultrasound or low-dose CT) confirms that the stone is fully clear and that the kidney is draining well.1,2
Evidence and outcomes
Stone-free rate
- The largest contemporary pooled estimate, from the 2025 EAU Endourology Section systematic review and meta-analysis by Nedbal, Geraghty and colleagues (22 studies, 146,845 patients), put the overall ureteroscopy stone-free rate at 82.2 per cent, versus 64.4 per cent for shockwave lithotripsy (p<0.001); retreatment 10.6 per cent vs 29.4 per cent; overall complication rates similar (22.6 per cent vs 22.5 per cent).5
- For distal ureteric stones specifically, single-session stone-free rates with rigid (semi-rigid) ureteroscopy and laser fragmentation are typically reported in the 90 to 95 per cent range across contemporary series, with retreatment around 5 per cent.1,5,7
- The 2022 Lv meta-analysis (17 studies, 2,265 patients) reported that for stones of 1 to 2 cm, flexible ureteroscopy gave a higher stone-free rate than shockwave lithotripsy (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.29 to 3.12); for stones under 1 cm, the two modalities performed similarly.4
Complications
- The most commonly cited contemporary complication benchmarks are the CROES ureteroscopy global study (11,885 patients) and the 2020 de Coninck systematic review: overall complication rate 15 to 25 per cent, but the great majority are Clavien-Dindo grade I or II (mild, self-limiting or requiring only medical treatment). Serious complications (grade III and above) occur in around 2 to 4 per cent.9
- Ureteric injury. The rate of any ureteric mucosal injury on careful post-procedure inspection is in the range of 7 to 10 per cent, but most are minor abrasions. Ureteric perforation (a true hole) occurs in around 1 to 2 per cent and is usually managed with a stent left for 4 to 6 weeks, with a full recovery; very rare cases require open or laparoscopic repair.1,9
- Urinary infection. Despite standard antibiotic prophylaxis, post-procedure urinary infection occurs in around 3 to 5 per cent of cases, and fever with signs of systemic infection in around 1 per cent. Patients with an obstructed system and a pre-existing urinary infection are at higher risk and are staged to drain the kidney first.1,2
- Ureteric stricture. Long-term ureteric stricture after uncomplicated ureteroscopy is uncommon, in the range of 0.5 to 1 per cent. Risk factors include prolonged instrumentation, significant mucosal injury, and stone impaction with inflammation.1,9
- Stent-related symptoms. Most patients with a temporary ureteric stent experience some urgency, frequency, or flank discomfort during voiding; symptoms resolve rapidly after stent removal.8
Australian context - MBS items
- Item 36821 - "ureter, endoscopic manipulation of, by one or more methods, including endoscopic extraction of stone or foreign body, with or without insertion of stent, with or without lithotripsy, unilateral" - applies to stone-treatment rigid ureteroscopy.10
- Item 36812 (diagnostic ureteroscopy, unilateral) applies when rigid ureteroscopy is performed for diagnosis or biopsy alone, without stone treatment.10
- Item 36564 (ureteric stent insertion, unilateral) is billed when a stent is placed at the end of the case.10
Schedule Fees change periodically; the current fee should be verified against MBS Online before a final quote is issued.
Risks and considerations
- Blood in the urine for a day or two, usually settling with fluids.1,9
- Bladder and stent discomfort for one to two weeks if a stent is left in place.8
- Urinary infection in around 3 to 5 per cent of cases; fever with systemic infection in around 1 per cent.1,9
- Ureteric perforation in around 1 to 2 per cent of cases, usually managed with a longer period of stenting.1,9
- Ureteric avulsion (a full-thickness tear) - rare but serious, quoted at below 0.5 per cent in contemporary series. Risk is reduced by not forcing a scope against resistance and by aborting and stenting the patient if safe passage cannot be achieved.1,9
- Ureteric stricture in 0.5 to 1 per cent at long-term follow-up.1,9
- Residual fragments requiring a second procedure in a minority of cases (single-session stone-free rates around 82 per cent overall, higher for distal stones).5
- General anaesthetic risks as for any day-case procedure.
Signs to seek urgent medical attention after rigid ureteroscopy. Go to the emergency department without delay if any of the following occurs: fever over 38 °C, shaking chills, or cloudy, offensive urine (possible infection); pain not controlled by simple analgesia; heavy visible bleeding or passing clots; inability to pass urine; severe or worsening loin pain with nausea and vomiting; new leg swelling, calf pain, or chest pain and breathlessness.
Rigid ureteroscopy at Kidney Surgery Sydney
Dr Raji Kooner performs rigid and flexible ureteroscopy at St Vincent's Private Hospital, the Mater Hospital North Sydney, and Bowral District Hospital. For stone patients, a combined rigid + flexible approach is often planned so the whole affected side can be treated under a single anaesthetic, with a temporary ureteric stent placed at the end of the case and removed in clinic one to two weeks later.
Patients with a ureteric stone, a filling defect on imaging, suspected upper-tract urothelial carcinoma, or an unexplained blood-in-urine finding that needs a closer look are welcome to contact the practice to arrange a consultation or request a second opinion.
Frequently asked questions
Will I have any cuts?
No. Rigid ureteroscopy is a "keyhole from the inside" operation - the scope passes through the urethra and bladder, so there are no external incisions.1,2,7
Will I need a stent afterwards?
In most stone cases, yes - a soft, thin plastic stent is usually placed between the kidney and bladder for one to two weeks to let the ureter settle, and is removed in a short clinic appointment with a flexible cystoscope.1,2,8 For straightforward diagnostic ureteroscopy without any stone treatment and without ureteric injury, a stent is often not needed. See Ureteric Stents for practical advice on living with a stent.
Is rigid ureteroscopy painful?
The procedure itself is performed under general anaesthetic, so nothing is felt at the time. Afterwards, most patients describe bladder irritation, some urgency and frequency, and mild flank ache with urination if a stent is in place. Most of the discomfort comes from the stent, not the operation itself. Simple analgesia, hydration, and a short course of an alpha-blocker usually control the symptoms.1,2,8
Can rigid ureteroscopy reach my kidney?
Not usually. A rigid (or semi-rigid) scope runs in a straight line and reaches reliably to the distal and mid ureter, but does not bend around the internal corners of the kidney. For stones or lesions inside the kidney itself, a flexible ureteroscope is used - often in the same anaesthetic, over a safety guidewire, when both parts of the urinary tract need treatment.1,2,7
Why not just use the flexible ureteroscope for everything?
For a distal ureteric stone, the semi-rigid scope has some practical advantages over a flexible scope: its straight optics, better irrigation, and wider working channel mean a larger laser fibre or basket can be used, stones can be retrieved efficiently, and operating time is shorter.7 When the stone is in the kidney or upper ureter, however, the flexible scope is the right tool. Both instruments are complementary, and many operations use them together.
How do rigid ureteroscopy and shockwave lithotripsy compare for a distal ureteric stone?
For a distal ureteric stone of 10 mm or less, both options are acceptable first-line treatments (AUA 2026 Conditional Recommendation, EAU 2025 aligned).1,2 Rigid ureteroscopy gives a higher single-session stone-free rate, typically in the 90 per cent range; shockwave lithotripsy avoids a general anaesthetic and a stent, but commonly needs more than one session.1,2,5 See Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) for the non-invasive alternative.
Can I have rigid ureteroscopy if I am on blood thinners?
Often, yes. Ureteroscopy can usually be performed on therapeutic anticoagulation - unlike shockwave lithotripsy, which is generally contraindicated on uninterrupted anticoagulation - but the plan is individualised in consultation with your cardiologist or haematologist.1,2
How soon will I know if the stone has cleared?
An imaging check (ultrasound or low-dose CT) is usually arranged at 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure. Most patients are stone-free in a single sitting; a minority need a second, usually shorter, procedure for residual fragments.1,2,5
What about upper-tract urothelial carcinoma?
Rigid ureteroscopy is the first step in the endoscopic workup of an imaging-detected filling defect in the distal ureter. Any abnormal area is photographed, brushed or biopsied, and the findings are discussed with a uro-pathologist and at the multidisciplinary meeting. Flexible ureteroscopy is usually added in the same sitting to inspect and biopsy the upper tract.1,7
Will I need to stay in hospital?
Most patients go home the same day or the following morning after rigid ureteroscopy. A small proportion stay overnight, usually because the procedure finished late in the day or because there was significant ureteric oedema that needed close observation.1,2,8
Related services
References
- Skolarikos A (Chair), Geraghty R, Somani BK, Tailly T, Jung H, Neisius A, Petrik A, Kamphuis GM, Davis N, Lardas M, Gambaro G, Sayer JA, Lombardo R, Tzelves L. European Association of Urology Guidelines on Urolithiasis. Eur Urol 88(1):64–75, 2025. DOI 10.1016/j.eururo.2025.03.011. uroweb.org/guidelines/urolithiasis/
- Pearle MS, Matlaga BR, Antonelli JA, et al. Surgical Management of Kidney and Ureteral Stones: AUA Guideline (2026). American Urological Association. Three-part series in Journal of Urology: Part I DOI 10.1097/JU.0000000000004842; Part II DOI 10.1097/JU.0000000000004843; Part III DOI 10.1097/JU.0000000000004844. auanet.org
- Lv G, Qi W, Gao H, et al. Safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy vs. flexible ureteroscopy in the treatment of urinary calculi: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Surg 2022;9:925481. DOI 10.3389/fsurg.2022.925481. doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2022.925481
- Nedbal C, Geraghty R, Somani BK, et al. Cost and effectiveness of flexible ureteroscopy versus shockwave lithotripsy for urolithiasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis by the EAU Endourology Section. Eur Urol Focus, July 2025. PubMed 40634171. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40634171
- British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS). Diagnostic Ureteroscopy and Ureteroscopy (and laser) for stones in the ureter or kidney - patient information leaflets, current versions accessed April 2026. Describe scope types, working channels, safety wires, ureteric access, typical operation duration, stent policy, and recovery. diagnostic-ureteroscopy.pdf | ureteroscopy-for-stone.pdf
- Joshi HB, Stainthorpe A, MacDonagh RP, Keeley FX Jr, Timoney AG, Barry MJ. Indwelling ureteral stents: evaluation of symptoms, quality of life and utility. J Urol 169(3):1065–9, 2003. Approximately 80% of patients with an indwelling stent experience at least one stent-related symptom; symptoms resolve rapidly after stent removal. Confirmed in the 2019 Tailly systematic review and the 2024 EAU Endourology Section stent-symptom synthesis. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12576846
- de la Rosette J, Denstedt J, Geavlete P, et al. The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Ureteroscopy Global Study: indications, complications, and outcomes in 11,885 patients. J Endourol 28(2):131–9, 2014. Combined with de Coninck V, Keller EX, Rodriguez-Monsalve M, Traxer O. Complications of ureteroscopy: a complete overview. World J Urol 38(9):2147–66, 2020 (DOI 10.1007/s00345-019-03012-1), and a 2021 ureteric-injury meta-analysis (57 studies, perforation rate 1.7%, 95% CI 1.3–2.1%). pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24147958 | pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31748964
- Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Health. Medicare Benefits Schedule Online (current at April 2026). Items cited on this page: 36812 (diagnostic ureteroscopy, unilateral); 36821 (rigid ureteroscopy with stone extraction and/or lithotripsy, unilateral); 36564 (ureteric stent insertion, unilateral). Standard Australian day-surgery safety guidance applies. Schedule Fees should be re-verified against MBS Online at date of publication. mbs online