Urinary stones present in the ureter, particularly hard stones or those that cannot be treated with ESWL, can be treated using laser. URS is a procedure used to treat stones situated in the middle and lower ureter. This procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia.

A ureteroscope, or a small fiberoptic instrument is inserted through the urethra and bladder into the ureter, which enables the urologist to directly visualise the stone present in the ureter.

While small stones are removed using a specialised stone basket, large ones are disintegrated using a laser or a similar device. A stent may be placed in the ureter for a few days following the treatment in order to facilitate healing and prevent blockage caused by inflammation or spasm. The stent is usually removed 8-14 days after surgery using flexible cystoscope as an outpatient procedure.