Dr. Vikas Singh is a highly respected Consultant Urologist in Indore, recognized as a leading expert in performing Laser URSL (Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy) procedures for kidney and ureter stones. Laser URSL represents the gold standard in minimally invasive stone treatment, offering patients with kidney stones, ureteric stones, and complex stone disease an excellent alternative to open surgery or shock wave therapy. This advanced laser procedure uses state-of-the-art flexible and rigid ureteroscopes combined with Holmium laser energy to fragment and remove stones of any size and composition with exceptional precision. Performed at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital with cutting-edge endoscopic and laser technology, Laser URSL offers the unique advantages of high stone-free rates (90-95%), no external incisions, same-day or overnight discharge, and rapid recovery. Dr. Singh’s extensive expertise in endoscopic surgery ensures patients receive this advanced treatment with optimal outcomes, minimal complications, and comprehensive follow-up care. We maintain complete transparency regarding treatment costs and provide thorough insurance guidance for our patients across Central India.
Consultant Surgeon at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore, equipped with advanced flexible ureteroscopes and Holmium laser technology.
Extensive experience in complex stone cases including large kidney stones, multiple stones, and difficult anatomical situations.
Proven track record of 90-95% stone-free rates with minimal complications and excellent patient outcomes.
Laser URSL is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization and treatment of stones anywhere in the kidney or ureter without any external incisions. Using ultra-thin telescopes (ureteroscopes) inserted through the urethra and bladder, Dr. Singh can navigate up the ureter into the kidney to locate stones. Once identified, high-powered Holmium laser energy is used to fragment stones into tiny pieces that can be extracted or passed naturally. This technique works for stones of any size, composition, or location—including difficult lower-pole kidney stones that other treatments struggle with. The precision of modern flexible ureteroscopes allows access to all parts of the kidney collecting system.
During the procedure, a specialized ureteroscope (either rigid for lower ureter stones or flexible for upper ureter and kidney stones) is gently advanced through the urethra, bladder, and up the ureter to the stone location. High-definition cameras provide crystal-clear visualization of the stone. A laser fiber (200-400 microns thin) is then passed through the working channel of the scope, and Holmium laser energy is delivered in controlled pulses to fragment the stone. The laser breaks stones into small fragments (typically 2-3mm) that can be extracted using specialized baskets or allowed to pass naturally. The entire process is performed under direct vision with exceptional precision.
Laser URSL is the preferred treatment for patients with stones in the ureter (any location), kidney stones 10-20mm in size, stones that have failed shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), hard stones (calcium oxalate monohydrate, cystine), lower pole kidney stones, patients who need guaranteed stone clearance (pilots, divers, military personnel), pregnant women requiring stone treatment, patients on blood thinners, or those with anatomical abnormalities. It's suitable for stones from 5mm up to 25-30mm, and even larger stones using staged procedures.
Before your Laser URSL treatment, Dr. Singh conducts comprehensive evaluation including CT scan or ultrasound to map stone size, location, and number, kidney function tests, urine analysis, and imaging to assess anatomy. You’ll receive detailed instructions about medications, fasting requirements, and what to expect. For complex cases, a pre-procedure stent may be placed 1-2 weeks before surgery to dilate the ureter and facilitate easier scope passage. On procedure day, you’ll arrive at the hospital where you’ll receive either spinal or general anesthesia.
Under anesthesia, Dr. Singh inserts the appropriate ureteroscope through the urethra, carefully advancing it up to the stone location. For lower and mid-ureter stones, a rigid ureteroscope provides excellent access. For upper ureter and kidney stones, an ultra-thin flexible ureteroscope allows navigation into all parts of the kidney. Once the stone is visualized, the Holmium laser fiber is inserted and laser energy systematically fragments the stone. Larger fragments are extracted using retrieval baskets. The procedure duration depends on stone size, number, and location—typically 30-60 minutes for single stones, longer for multiple or complex stones.
At the end of the procedure, a temporary ureteral stent (thin tube) is usually placed between the kidney and bladder to ensure proper drainage during healing. This stent typically remains for 5-10 days and prevents any swelling or small fragments from obstructing the ureter. Most patients are discharged the same day or after overnight observation. You’ll go home with pain medications, antibiotics, and detailed instructions about stent care. The stent is removed during a simple office cystoscopy procedure 5-10 days later.
This advanced endoscopic approach offers the highest stone-free rates (90-95%) for ureteric and small-to-medium kidney stones. It provides direct visualization and treatment with immediate confirmation of stone clearance, works for all stone types regardless of composition, and can treat stones in difficult locations like lower kidney pole. Recovery is rapid (1-2 weeks) with same-day or overnight discharge. Disadvantages include temporary stent discomfort and slightly higher cost than ESWL. Primary Advantages: Highest success rates, treats all stone types, no incisions, works in all locations, immediate results, minimal recovery time.
ESWL uses external shock waves to break stones and is completely non-invasive. While excellent for smaller, soft stones in favorable locations, it has lower success rates (60-70%), requires multiple sessions, doesn't work well for hard stones or lower pole locations, and provides no guarantee of stone clearance. ESWL is typically first-line for stones under 10mm in the upper kidney or ureter.
PCNL is the gold standard for very large kidney stones (over 25-30mm) or staghorn calculi. It involves creating a small tract through the skin into the kidney for stone removal. While highly effective for large stones, it's more invasive than URSL, requires 2-3 days hospitalization, and has higher complication risks. PCNL remains essential for stones too large for URSL.
URSL achieves 90-95% stone-free rates in a single session—among the highest success rates of any stone treatment, with immediate confirmation.
Completely endoscopic approach through natural body passages no cuts, no scars, minimal tissue trauma, and faster recovery.
Works equally well on soft calcium phosphate stones or extremely hard calcium oxalate and cystine stonescomposition doesn't matter.
Flexible ureteroscopes can reach every part of the kidney including challenging lower pole stones where other treatments have high failure rates.
Schedule a private, confidential consultation with Dr. Singh in Indore.
The procedure itself is performed under spinal or general anesthesia, so you feel no pain during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is generally manageable and has two main sources: mild flank pain from the ureter manipulation (typically lasting 2-3 days) and stent-related symptoms including urinary frequency, urgency, and discomfort with urination. The stent discomfort is often the most bothersome aspect but is temporary—it resolves immediately after stent removal at 5-10 days. Most patients manage well with oral pain medications and alpha-blockers. Overall, Laser URSL is significantly less painful than open surgery or PCNL, with most patients rating discomfort as moderate and well-controlled with medication.
The temporary ureteral stent serves several critical functions: it keeps the ureter open to ensure proper urine drainage while healing occurs, prevents obstruction from post-procedure swelling or small stone fragments, and reduces risk of stricture formation. While medically important, stents do cause bothersome symptoms—urinary frequency (needing to urinate often), urgency (sudden strong urge), blood-tinged urine, and discomfort especially at the end of urination when the bladder contracts against the stent. Some patients also feel flank discomfort. These symptoms vary widely some patients tolerate stents well, while others find them quite uncomfortable. The good news is they’re temporary (5-10 days), and symptoms resolve immediately after removal.
Laser URSL has excellent success rates of 90-95% for complete stone clearance in a single session. Success depends on stone size, location, and complexity—single stones under 15mm typically have near 100% clearance, while larger or multiple stones may occasionally require staged procedures. Dr. Singh confirms stone clearance through direct visualization during surgery and careful inspection of the entire collecting system before completing the procedure. Follow-up imaging (X-ray or ultrasound) at 4-6 weeks provides definitive confirmation. If any significant fragments remain, a second look procedure can be performed. The combination of direct visualization and imaging follow-up ensures you have clear documentation of stone-free status.
Laser URSL can effectively treat stones up to approximately 20-25mm in most cases. For larger stones, a staged approach using multiple URSL sessions or combining URSL with other techniques may be considered. However, for very large stones (over 25-30mm) or staghorn calculi (branching stones filling the kidney), PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy) typically becomes more efficient and cost-effective, often achieving clearance in one procedure rather than requiring multiple URSL sessions. Dr. Singh evaluates your specific stone burden, kidney anatomy, and overall health to recommend the optimal approach. Some patients with large stones may benefit from combination therapy, PCNL for bulk reduction followed by URSL for residual fragments.
Recovery timeline depends on your job type and individual healing. Most patients with desk jobs or sedentary work can return within 3-5 days, even with the stent in place, though stent symptoms may be distracting. Those with physically demanding jobs should wait 2-3 weeks until after stent removal and complete healing. Light activities and walking are encouraged immediately, but avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting (over 10-15 pounds), and sexual activity for 2 weeks or until after stent removal. Most patients feel significantly better within 1-2 days after stent removal and can resume full normal activities by 2-3 weeks post-procedure. The rapid recovery is a major advantage of the minimally invasive approach.
Kidney stones form when urine becomes concentrated with stone-forming substances (calcium, oxalate, uric acid, cystine) that crystallize. Common causes include dehydration, dietary factors (high sodium, high protein, high oxalate foods), metabolic conditions, family history, and certain medications. Prevention strategies include drinking 2-3 liters of water daily (most important factor), limiting sodium intake, moderating protein consumption, reducing oxalate-rich foods if you form calcium oxalate stones, and maintaining healthy body weight. After your first stone, Dr. Singh may recommend a 24-hour urine collection to analyze your specific risk factors and tailor prevention strategies. Some patients benefit from medications like potassium citrate. Stone analysis of your removed fragments guides personalized prevention plans.
Yes, Laser URSL is widely covered by health insurance in India as it’s a well-established, medically necessary procedure for kidney stone treatment. Most insurance companies cover the procedure, hospitalization, and related costs under their surgical benefits, though specific coverage varies by policy. Our administrative team has extensive experience working with all major insurance providers to secure pre-authorization, provide necessary documentation, and maximize your coverage. We’ll work directly with your insurance company throughout the process to ensure smooth approval. Even for policies with waiting periods or specific exclusions, emergency stone cases are typically covered. We provide transparent cost estimates upfront and can discuss payment options for any out-of-pocket portions not covered by insurance.
The leading center for advanced, compassionate urological care and treatment in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
