Ureteroscopic stone removal - is there a stone size range limit?

Probably: It is hard to define perhaps, but one would know it when one sees it (to paraphrase an old saying). At some point a very large ureteral stone (rare) may be best managed by performing an operation to cut the stone from the ureter. Almost all ureteral stones are manageable via ureteroscope but it is the very rare case where the more invasive option may be advisable. This is a judgement call.

Stone Size: Stones of all sizes can be removed ureteroscopically, from down to 1-2 millimeters (if they won't pass) and up to 1.5 cm. Typically stones larger then 1.0 - 1.5 cm or if multiple large stones are present may require a percutaneous (through the skin) stone surgery. This is done through side and accessing the kidney directly.

No: There is no limit. In fact, ureteroscopy can treat any size stone, but if the stone is larger than 2cm, then you may end up with multiple procedures to get all the stones out.

Here are some…: With the advance of technology and expansion of professional proficiency, the size of ureteral or kidney stone has become less an issue. So, ask your urologist for the detail of his professional comfort and institutional availability of equipment. But, please remember that most patients may require 1-3 procedures to complete the job of stone removal from either ureter or kidney.