Urethroscopy - Laser Lithotripsy
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Urethroscopy with laser lithotripsy is a medical procedure designed to diagnose and treat urinary stones that form within the kidney, ureter, bladder, or urethra. This minimally invasive technique uses an instrument called a urethroscope, a thin, tube-like device with a light and camera that is inserted through the urethra to locate stones. Once visualized, laser lithotripsy is employed to break these stones into smaller fragments, allowing them to be easily passed through the urinary tract or removed with specialized equipment.
The combination of urethroscopy and laser lithotripsy has become a standard approach to addressing stones in the urinary system, especially when they are too large to pass naturally or are causing significant pain, bleeding, or urinary obstruction. Unlike more traditional methods, such as open surgery or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), laser lithotripsy allows precise stone fragmentation with reduced trauma to the surrounding tissue.
During the procedure, a laser fiber is passed through the urethroscope and directed at the stone, which is then shattered into small pieces. This laser technology uses either holmium or thulium lasers, which can fragment stones regardless of their composition. This precision minimizes the risk of damaging the urethra and other urinary tract components, offering a safe and effective solution for patients.
Procedure Duration
The urethroscopy and laser lithotripsy procedure is typically performed as a day surgery or in an outpatient setting, meaning patients usually do not require an overnight hospital stay. The duration of the procedure varies depending on factors such as the size, location, and number of stones, as well as the patient's overall health. However, the average procedure time ranges from 30 to 90 minutes.
The process generally involves three stages: preparation, urethroscopy and laser lithotripsy, and recovery. Prior to the procedure, the patient is typically placed under general or spinal anesthesia. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the urologist inserts the urethroscope through the urethra to locate the stones within the urinary tract. Using real-time visualization, the laser is then applied to fragment the stones. In some cases, small fragments may be removed immediately with the urethroscope, while others are left to pass naturally over time.
Post-procedure recovery is relatively quick. Most patients can return home a few hours after the surgery, though they may experience mild discomfort, blood in the urine, or a frequent need to urinate for a few days. Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities for about a week, but they can often resume normal daily activities within a couple of days. Full recovery typically occurs within a week or two.
Benefits
- Minimally Invasive: Urethroscopy and laser lithotripsy are performed through the natural urinary tract, avoiding large incisions and reducing recovery time.
- High Success Rate: Effective in treating stones of varying sizes and compositions, with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
- Quick Recovery: Patients often resume daily activities within a few days, and the procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
- Reduced Pain and Complications: Compared to open surgery, the procedure is less painful and has fewer associated risks such as infection and bleeding.
- Precision and Safety: The use of laser technology allows for targeted fragmentation of stones, reducing the risk of injury to the urethra and other tissues.
Potential Destinations
- India: India is known for its high-quality healthcare at affordable prices. Many hospitals are equipped with the latest laser lithotripsy technologies and have internationally trained urologists, making it a popular destination for medical tourists seeking effective yet cost-efficient care.
- Turkey: With its well-established medical tourism industry, Turkey offers advanced urological treatments, including urethroscopy and laser lithotripsy. Hospitals in cities like Istanbul are known for their state-of-the-art equipment, experienced medical staff, and competitive pricing.
- Thailand: Renowned for its hospitality and healthcare excellence, Thailand provides world-class medical services at affordable prices. Many hospitals are accredited by international organizations and are staffed by urologists experienced in performing urethroscopy and laser lithotripsy.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE has become a significant medical tourism hub, with top-tier hospitals offering advanced urological procedures. The high standard of care, coupled with luxurious facilities, makes the UAE an attractive choice for patients looking for a premium experience.
- Spain: Spain is recognized for its advanced medical infrastructure and skilled healthcare professionals. The country is a popular choice for European medical tourists seeking minimally invasive treatments like urethroscopy with laser lithotripsy, combining high-quality care with a relaxing recovery environment.
Risks & Considerations
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): The insertion of the urethroscope may lead to the development of a UTI. Patients are often given antibiotics before or after the procedure to reduce this risk.
- Bleeding and Hematuria: Minor bleeding or blood in the urine is common after the procedure, though it typically resolves within a few days.
- Urinary Stricture: Scar tissue may form in the urethra following the procedure, leading to narrowing (stricture) and possible urinary difficulties. This is a rare but potential risk.
- Inadequate Stone Fragmentation: In some cases, stones may not be fully fragmented, requiring additional treatments or follow-up procedures to remove remaining pieces.
- Anesthesia Risks: As with any procedure involving anesthesia, there is a risk of adverse reactions, including nausea, dizziness, and rare complications such as breathing difficulties or allergic reactions.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Selecting a qualified doctor and reputable hospital is crucial for a successful urethroscopy and laser lithotripsy. Look for a urologist with significant experience in performing this specific procedure and one who is board-certified in urology. It's also advisable to choose a hospital that is well-equipped with advanced laser lithotripsy technologies and offers comprehensive care throughout the treatment and recovery process.
Additionally, research patient reviews and success rates to assess the hospital’s reputation and quality of care. Many destinations have healthcare accreditation organizations that evaluate hospital standards, so seeking a facility with international accreditation can be a positive indication of quality and safety.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
Orthopedics Stem Cell
Knee
Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.
Shoulder
Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.
Ankle
If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.
Back Pain
Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.
Anti-Aging Stem Cell
Hair Loss
Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.
Facial Anti-Aging
Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.
Fertility Stem Cell
Endometrial PRP
The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.
Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)
The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.
Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
