Your UPNT surgeon may recommend CULLS for:
CULLS allows your UPNT surgeon to access and break the stone into small fragments using advanced technology. Most patients recover quickly and resume normal activities within a few days.
Both CULLS (ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy) and ESWL (shock wave lithotripsy) are effective for kidney stones, but they are used in different situations based on the size and location of the stone.
Your UPNT surgeon will evaluate your stone’s size, location, and characteristics to recommend the best treatment option.
CULLS is a combination of several steps, each performed with precision by your UPNT surgeon to ensure complete removal of the stone.
The first step is cystoscopy, which allows your UPNT surgeon to examine your urinary tract and access the stone.
Once the stone’s location is confirmed, your UPNT surgeon performs ureteroscopy to reach the stone in the ureter or kidney.
Now it’s time to break the stone! Your UPNT surgeon uses a Holmium laser to pulverize the stone into tiny fragments.
Finally, a ureteral stent is placed to ensure proper drainage and prevent blockages as the stone fragments pass.
A ureteral stent plays a crucial role in preventing complications and ensuring smooth recovery after CULLS.
The stent is placed during the procedure using cystoscopy while you’re under anesthesia, so you won’t feel a thing.
Most patients recover quickly after CULLS. Here’s what to expect:
Your UPNT surgeon will provide personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
CULLS is often recommended as an alternative to ESWL for larger stones (> 1.5 cm) or hard stones that don’t break easily with shock waves. It may also be used after ESWL if the initial treatment didn’t fully clear the stone.
The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the stone. Larger stones may take longer to treat, while smaller stones require less time.
You’ll be under general anesthesia during the procedure, so you won’t feel anything. Afterward, you may experience mild discomfort or cramping, which improves within a few days.
Most patients have a stent for 1–3 weeks. Your UPNT surgeon will remove it during a quick, outpatient procedure.
A Holmium laser delivers high-energy pulses to break the stone into tiny fragments. These fragments either pass naturally or are removed with a small basket.
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. Your UPNT surgeon will provide personalized recovery instructions.
A ureteral stent plays a crucial role in preventing complications and ensuring smooth recovery after CULLS.
The stent is placed during the procedure using cystoscopy while you’re under anesthesia, so you won’t feel a thing.
At Urology Partners of North Texas, we offer advanced kidney stone treatment options like CULLS to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Conveniently located in Arlington and Fort Worth, we’re here to help you find relief from kidney stones.
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