Ureteroscopy uses a special fiberoptic telescope, called a ureteroscope, that is passed up the urinary tract, with no incision, to the stone's location, either in the kidney or the ureter, which is the tube from the kidney to the bladder. The ureterscope is only one-tenth of an inch in diameter.

Stones are either grasped and removed or broken into tiny pieces with a laser.

After the procedure a small tube (stent) may be placed in the ureter for a few days to allow the lining of the ureter to heal. The doctor will remove the stent at a follow up appointment.

Success rates: 75-100 percent depending on stone size and location.

Possible complications: Damage to the ureter, infection, bleeding, ureteral stricture (narrowing).

Hospital stay and recovery: Most cases are performed as an outpatient procedure. Recovery time is short and most people are back to normal activity in a few days.