Advanced Stone Surgery

Ureteroscopy and Laser Lithotripsy

Ureteroscopy is a surgery used to treat stones in the ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder) or the kidneys. It's done by using a thin, flexible camera called a ureteroscope, which is inserted into the body through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) and up into the bladder and ureters. Insertion: The surgeon gently inserts the ureteroscope through the urethra to reach the ureters or kidneys. The procedure is done underanesthesia, so you’re asleep during the surgery. The ureteroscope has a small camera on the tip, so the surgeon can see the inside of the ureters and kidneys on a screen. If there’s a kidney stone, the surgeon can treat it directly using small tools (ie. a laser to break up the stone, and a basket to remove small pieces) passed through the scope. Supine Ultrasound Guided Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Supine Ultrasound-Guided PCNL is a procedure used to remove kidney stones through a minimally invasive approach. The term "supine" means you lie on your back during the procedure, and "ultrasound-guided" means the surgeon uses ultrasound (a type of imaging that uses sound waves) to help guide the treatment. Dr. Garbens is one of only a few urologists in Canada who offer this innovative technique. You are put to sleep with a general anesthetic. The surgery is performed with you on your back (supine position). The surgeon uses ultrasound to locate the kidney stones. The ultrasound helps them see the stones in real-time and plan the best way to reach them, while avoiding other organs (liver, spleen, intestines). After the stones are located, a small incision (cut) is made in your back (2 cm), and a tube is inserted into the kidney to access and remove or break up the stones. Using special tools, the surgeon removes the stones by breaking them into smaller pieces and suctioning them out. Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (stentless surgery)

Mini PCNL stands for Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy. It’s a procedure used to remove kidney stones that are too large or difficult to pass on their own. "Mini" refers to the fact that it’s a less invasive version of traditional PCNL, as it uses a smaller incision (cut in the skin).