Urethroscopic lithotripsy is a highly safe, minimally invasive procedure for removing urinary stones. Complications are rare, and most patients return home the same day. Skilled surgeons like Dr. Alessandro Calarco leverage laser fragmentation and endoscopic techniques to ensure 95% success rates for stones under 1cm.
- Minor risks: Temporary hematuria, mild bladder irritation, and urinary urgency are common post-operative symptoms.
- Infection control: Mild urinary tract infections may occur but typically resolve with standard antibiotics.
- Rare complications: Ureteral injury or strictures (narrowing) affect a small percentage of patients.
- Procedural safety: The approach is safe for pregnant patients, obese individuals, and those on blood-thinners.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian centers like San Raffaele emphasize research-driven safety, performing over 52,000 surgeries annually. Data shows that clinics using Da Vinci robotic systems and advanced laser fragmentation, such as Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy, offer higher precision. Choosing an IRCCS-accredited facility in Italy ensures access to national research standards, which correlate with lower complication rates for stone management.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the quick recovery and low pain levels, often recommending intense hydration to help flush the urethra. Many suggest discussing the risk of urethral strictures with your surgeon beforehand to confirm if alternate extraction methods are better for your specific stone size.