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Private ureteroscopy
- Appointments in as little as 24 hours
- Accurate diagnosis with fast results
- A seamless pathway to expert treatment
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PRIVATE URETEROSCOPY AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
When it comes to treating urinary tract conditions such as kidney stones, early detection and treatment can make all the difference. If you’re experiencing symptoms associated with kidney or ureteral stones, we can offer you an appointment with a leading consultant urologist, often in as little as 24 hours.
They’re supported by specialist radiologists with extensive expertise in urinary tract and kidney conditions. You’ll have fast access to advanced diagnostic testing, with results typically available within 48 hours, giving you clear answers and a fast-track to expert treatment should you need it.
A ureteroscopy is a common procedure used to both diagnose and help treat urinary tract conditions. It involves passing a thin semi-rigid telescope through your urethra into your bladder and ureter to help your consultant clearly see and resolve any issues.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with kidney or ureteral stones, they’ll likely have formed in your kidney and then travelled down a draining tube called the ureter into your bladder, to be passed out of your body. Sometimes, these stones grow too big and get lodged in your ureter. This can be painful and stop you from passing urine.
Your urologist can use a ureteroscopy to look into your urinary tract in detail, find the stones and break them up using laser technology, making them easier to pass or remove.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with kidney or ureteral stones, they’ll likely have formed in your kidney and then travelled down a draining tube called the ureter into your bladder, to be passed out of your body. Sometimes, these stones grow too big and get lodged in your ureter. This can be painful and stop you from passing urine.
Your urologist can use a ureteroscopy to look into your urinary tract in detail, find the stones and break them up using laser technology, making them easier to pass or remove.
Every patient is different so the approach that your consultant takes will be tailored to your needs. You’ll often be given a general anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure, but you can opt for a spinal anaesthetic or for deep sedation, if you prefer.
Your consultant will then pass the ureteroscope into your bladder through your urethra, sometimes called your water pipe. They’ll use a monitor to look into the scope to find the stones and, if necessary, break them up into smaller pieces using a laser.
Your consultant will then pass the ureteroscope into your bladder through your urethra, sometimes called your water pipe. They’ll use a monitor to look into the scope to find the stones and, if necessary, break them up into smaller pieces using a laser.
Your ureteroscopy will be overseen by a highly experienced consultant urologist with extensive expertise in urinary tract and kidney conditions. They’ll help you to prepare for the procedure and explain your results and any next steps that you may need.
If you need further treatment, such as surgery, you’ll have seamless access to HCA UK’s full network of hospitals, theatres and clinics throughout London and the UK, with flexible appointment times to fit around your schedule.
Fast access to appointments
Speak to an expert urologist or urogynaecologist within 24 hours
Personalised care and support
At every stage from initial consultation right through to recovery
State-of-the-art facilities
Comfortable, private facilities across the UK
Our locations
Where can I get my private ureteroscopy?
You can be treated by specialist consultants and dedicated teams at our hospitals and outpatient clinics across London.
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Your private ureteroscopy with HCA UK
What to expect
A ureteroscopy is a common procedure and we want you to feel as reassured and comfortable as possible at every stage. Below you’ll find an outline of what to expect to help you feel prepared. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, feel free to get in touch – a member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you have.
01
Consultation
You can book directly or be referred by your GP to see one of our urology consultants. They’ll discuss your symptoms to assess if a ureteroscopy might be the best course of action. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and make sure you understand the next steps.
Your ureteroscopy and any other tests or scans you may need, such as an ultrasound, can be scheduled quickly – where possible, on the day of your consultation.
Your ureteroscopy and any other tests or scans you may need, such as an ultrasound, can be scheduled quickly – where possible, on the day of your consultation.
02
Procedure
On the day of your ureteroscopy, your consultant urologist and dedicated nursing team will be able to answer any last-minute questions, explain each step and help you feel at ease before your procedure. The ureteroscopy itself will be carried out by your consultant, supported by experienced theatre staff.
Unless your consultant advises otherwise, you’ll be able to return home the same day, without the need for an overnight stay.
Unless your consultant advises otherwise, you’ll be able to return home the same day, without the need for an overnight stay.
03
Results and follow-up
Your consultant will review your results, explain what they mean and talk you through any next steps. Should you require further treatment or ongoing care, you’ll have smooth access to specialist services across our wider healthcare network.
04
Aftercare and support
After your ureteroscopy, we’ll arrange follow-up appointments to check on your recovery and ensure everything’s healing as it should. You’ll also receive personalised advice on hydration, diet and lifestyle to help prevent future stones and support your long-term kidney health.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Ureteroscopy FAQs
No, you can self-refer for many tests, although your GP or consultant can also refer you directly.
We offer same-day and next-day appointments with a consultant urologist across our network of hospitals and outpatient clinics in London.
A ureteroscopy procedure usually takes about an hour, although it can take as little as 30 minutes or up to 3 hours, depending on your situation. It’s best to leave the day free for your procedure, just in case.
Probably not. Most ureteroscopy operations are performed as a day case surgery, so if all goes well, you can go home the same day.
Most results are available within 48 hours. Your consultant will discuss them with you promptly so you’ll have clear answers as soon as possible, and a fast track to the right treatment pathway.
Your consultant urologist will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have. You won't be able to eat food in the six hours leading up to your surgery, but you will be able to drink clear, still water up to three hours before.
As with all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved, and your consultant will explain these to you.
As with all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved, and your consultant will explain these to you.
Our expert radiologists play a vital role in your treatment. They’ll conduct a CT KUB (Kidney, Ureters and Bladder) scan to confirm whether you have kidney or ureteric stones. This will also guide your consultant’s decision about treatment. Then, during the procedure, they’ll help to keep the stone under surveillance using ultrasound technology.
Yes, you’re welcome to bring a friend or family member for support to your consultations, and on the day of the procedure itself.
Yes, a ureteroscopy is usually carried under general anaesthetic to ensure your absolute comfort and safety. However, you can opt for a local spinal anaesthetic or for deep sedation if you prefer. The choice is yours.
Most are minimally invasive and cause only mild discomfort, if any. Your consultant will talk you through the process and suggest the best pain relief options as you recover.
As well as a ureteroscopy, your consultant urologist may recommend that you have further tests such as an ultrasound scan. If you need any further treatment, you’ll have fast access to specialist care and surgery within our extended hospital network.
The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) has created a highly informative leaflet that you can read here. It gives you all the detailed information you need. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’ll be happy to help in any way we can.
“Throughout my journey, I always knew I was in safe hands with Mr Anson and felt happy that I’d made the right choice…I was home within two days and my pain level had gone altogether.”
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