Etymed
ureterolithotomy
Definition
Surgical procedure to remove a stone (calculus) from the ureter by making an incision
Clinical context
A 45-year-old male presents to the emergency department with severe colicky pain in the left flank that radiates to the groin. CT scan reveals a 7mm stone lodged in the mid-ureter. Despite conservative management with hydration and pain control, the patient remains in severe pain. The urologist performs a ureterolithotomy to remove the calculus through a small incision in the ureter. The procedure successfully removes the stone and the patient's pain resolves immediately.
Mnemonic
URETER = URETERAL incision to remove STONE - Think 'U-R-E-T-E-R' as 'U-R-E-T-E-R' for ureteral incision to remove stone