A ureteric stone is a kidney stone that has detached from the renal calyces and moved down into the ureter—the narrow, muscular tube (typically 3 to 4 mm in internal diameter) that transports urine from the kidney to the bladder. Because the ureter is narrow, even a small stone can become tightly lodged along its path.
When a stone blocks the ureter, urine backs up into the kidney, causing painful swelling (hydronephrosis). Dr. Sumit Chaudhari, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist, Laparoscopic & Renal Transplant Surgeon at Usha Urology & Andrology Clinic in Pimple Saudagar, Pimpri-Chinchwad, specializes in precise diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive laser procedures (URSL) to safely break and clear ureteric stones.
Ureteric stones are notorious for causing sudden, agonizing symptoms due to active muscular spasms of the ureter trying to push the stone out:
Severe Renal Colic: Intense, sharp, spasmodic pain in the flank or lower back that comes in waves.
Radiating Pain: Pain that travels downwards along the path of the ureter into the lower abdomen, groin, or labia/scrotum.
Urinary Urgency & Frequency: Feeling an intense, constant urge to urinate as the stone approaches the bladder junction (ureterovesical junction).
Hematuria (Blood in Urine): Urine appearing pink, red, or dark brown from mucosal abrasions caused by stone edges.
Nausea & Vomiting: Severe nausea triggered by autonomic nerve pathways shared between the urinary and digestive systems.
Accurate diagnosis determines whether a ureteric stone can pass naturally or requires surgical intervention:
| Diagnostic Tool | Clinical Purpose | Key Advantage |
| Ultrasound (USG KUB) | Initial screening tool | Evaluates kidney swelling (hydronephrosis) and detects stones near the upper/lower ends of the ureter |
| Non-Contrast CT Scan (NCCT KUB) | Gold standard diagnostic test | Provides 100% precise information on exact stone size, location, hard density (Hounsfield units), and anatomical structure |
| Urine Routine & Culture | Infection screening | Identifies microscopic blood, pus cells, or underlying bacterial infection requiring antibiotics |
Treatment is tailored based on stone location (upper, middle, or lower ureter), stone size, and severity of kidney obstruction:
Indication: Small stones (< 5–6 mm) in the lower ureter without severe swelling or infection.
Approach: Prescription medications (alpha-blockers) relax the smooth muscles of the ureter, allowing the stone to pass naturally with increased hydration.
Indication: Mid-to-lower ureteric stones (> 6 mm) or stones failing to pass naturally.
Procedure: A thin, semi-rigid endoscope is inserted through the natural urinary passage into the ureter. A fine laser fiber pulverizes the stone into tiny fragments, which are then extracted using micro-baskets. A temporary DJ Stent is placed to ensure normal urine flow during healing.
Indication: High upper-ureteric stones that have migrated back toward or near the kidney junction.
Procedure: A flexible scope navigated into the upper ureter uses laser energy to dust the stone without any external cuts or incisions.
Dr. Sumit Chaudhari (MBBS, MS, DNB Urology) is a highly skilled Consultant Urologist, Andrologist, Laparoscopic & Renal Transplant Surgeon. Practicing at Usha Urology & Andrology Clinic in Pimple Saudagar, Pimpri-Chinchwad, he specializes in endourology, laser ureteric and kidney stone surgery (URSL/RIRS/PCNL), prostate care, and reconstructive urology.
Q: How long can a ureteric stone stay lodged before causing kidney damage?
A: A complete blockage caused by a ureteric stone can start affecting kidney function within 2 to 4 weeks. If accompanied by severe pain, fever, or infection, immediate urological intervention is necessary to prevent permanent kidney injury.
Q: Is a DJ stent always necessary after URSL laser surgery?
A: In most cases, a temporary double-J (DJ) stent is placed in the ureter for 1 to 2 weeks post-surgery. It keeps the urinary passage open, prevents muscle spasms, and allows smooth tissue healing before being safely removed in a brief OPD procedure.
Q: Can a ureteric stone be treated without surgery?
A: Yes, if the stone is smaller than 5 mm, shows no signs of severe obstruction, and the patient's pain is manageable, it can often be passed using Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET) under close urological supervision.
Don't let agonizing flank pain or urinary blockages escalate into severe kidney complications. Consult Dr. Sumit Chaudhari for expert, minimally invasive laser solutions close to home.
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