Ureteral lithiasis Stones (calculi) in the ureter

Ureters are tubular structures whose function is to transport the urine formed in the kidneys to the bladder.

Urinary stones form in the kidneys, usually due to deficient water intake. There, although they may not cause any symptoms, they may also be responsible for recurrent urinary infections or painful conditions.

Often these kidney stones migrate towards the bladder through the ureters. While very small stones may make this journey without causing any symptoms, the larger stones usually impede the normal flow of urine and can get stuck along the way. In these situations, urine accumulates in the kidney, causing pain - the so-called renal colic.

The diagnosis of ureteral lithiasis is usually performed through imaging exams such as abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT-Uro), X-ray of the urinary tract, renal ultrasound and bladder ultrasound.

The treatment of small ureteral stones may only be regular monitorization until their elimination, with or without facilitating drug therapy.

In the case of larger stones, with significant symptoms, or accompanied by infectious complications, surgical intervention may be necessary. The surgery is usually minimally invasive and performed endoscopically.

It may also include the removal of the stone and fragmentation with LASER energy.

In the initial treatment, the placement of a ureteral catheter between the kidney and the bladder (double J or, as more commonly named, stent) should be performed in cases of more serious infections.