What To Do If A Kidney Stone Is Stuck At The Urethral Opening

If a kidney stone becomes lodged at the urethral opening, it is clinically recommended to seek immediate medical attention at a urology department. A professional evaluation can determine the exact location of the stone and the most effective treatment method. When the stone is confirmed to be at the urethral opening, the following procedures may be performed:

1. Fragmenting The Stone With Forceps

The medical professional will begin by disinfecting the external urethral opening and then injecting approximately 5ml of lidocaine gel into the urethra to numb the mucous membrane. Once the area is sufficiently anesthetized, the doctor will use specialized forceps to access the urethra and locate the stone. The stone will then be fragmented and the larger pieces carefully removed. Any smaller remaining fragments may be naturally expelled during urination. In cases where the procedure causes minor trauma or bleeding to the urethral lining, a urinary catheter may be inserted for 3–5 days to support healing. If there is no bleeding, the patient may return home but should drink plenty of water and take prescribed antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection or urethral stricture.

2. Using A Rigid Ureteroscope To Break Up The Stone

For larger or harder stones that cannot be easily removed with forceps, a rigid ureteroscope may be used. This minimally invasive technique involves inserting a small scope into the urethra to visualize the stone, followed by using specialized tools to break it into smaller pieces. Once fragmented, the stone can be extracted more easily. This method offers a safe and effective solution with minimal discomfort and faster recovery.