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What Is a Flexible Ureteroscope?

A flexible ureteroscope is a thin, bendable viewing instrument used to examine and treat parts of the urinary tract. It is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter and sometimes into the kidney. The scope has a light, camera or fiberoptic system, and a working channel for small instruments. Its flexibility helps clinicians reach areas that a rigid scope may not access well.

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What Is a Flexible Ureteroscope?

A flexible ureteroscope is a thin, bendable viewing instrument used to examine and treat parts of the urinary tract. It is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter and sometimes into the kidney. The scope has a light, camera or fiberoptic system, and a working channel for small instruments. Its flexibility helps clinicians reach areas that a rigid scope may not access well.

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What Is a Flexible Ureteroscope Used For?

A flexible ureteroscope is used to diagnose or treat problems in the ureter and kidney. It is commonly used for kidney stones, ureteral stones, bleeding, strictures, tumors, or abnormal imaging findings. During stone treatment, instruments or a laser fiber can pass through the scope to break or remove stones. The choice of flexible ureteroscopy depends on stone size, location, anatomy, infection status, and patient factors.

How a Flexible Ureteroscope Works

The scope is advanced through the natural urinary passage rather than through an external incision. Its tip can bend so the clinician can steer through the ureter and kidney collecting system. Video or fiberoptic imaging lets the clinician see the lining, stones, or target area. Irrigation may be used to improve visibility during the procedure.

How Is Flexible Ureteroscopy Done?

The procedure is usually performed with anesthesia or sedation. The clinician passes the ureteroscope through the urethra, into the bladder, and up the ureter toward the target area. Stones may be removed with baskets or broken with laser energy if needed. A temporary ureteral stent may be placed afterward to help urine drain while swelling improves.

Risks and Recovery

Possible risks include urinary tract infection, bleeding, ureter injury, pain, fever, incomplete stone removal, narrowing, or need for another procedure. Temporary burning with urination, blood in the urine, urgency, or stent discomfort can occur after treatment. Patients should follow instructions about fluids, medications, activity, and stent removal if a stent is placed. Fever, chills, severe pain, inability to urinate, heavy bleeding, or worsening symptoms should be reported promptly.

FAQs About Flexible Ureteroscopes

Is flexible ureteroscopy surgery?

It is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. It usually does not require an external incision.

Can a flexible ureteroscope remove kidney stones?

Yes. It can help locate stones, break them with laser energy, and remove fragments with small tools.

Does flexible ureteroscopy require anesthesia?

It commonly uses anesthesia or sedation because the scope passes through the urinary tract and treatment may be performed.

Why is a stent placed after ureteroscopy?

A stent may be placed to keep the ureter open, support urine drainage, and reduce blockage while swelling settles.

References

Ureteroscopy: Purpose, Procedure, Risks & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16213-ureteroscopy. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.

Ureteroscopy. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560556/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.

Ureteroscopy. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/ureteroscopy. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.

Surgical Management of Kidney and Ureteral Stones. American Urological Association. https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/surgical-management-of-kidney-and-ureteral-stones. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.

Flexible Ureterorenoscopy: Tips and Tricks. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3643314/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.