IRCCS Policlinico San Donato has performed 100+ stone interventions since 2017 using Holmium laser technology. The urology team completes over 1,000 surgeries each year. They specialize in minimally invasive techniques like Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery and Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery. These methods help patients recover faster and stay in the hospital for less time. As a research-backed IRCCS facility, the clinic follows high-quality care standards. Dr. Pietro Acquati leads the specialized urology unit in Milan.
","text_type":"mt_wow_description","best_texts":{"techniques":"Holmium laser lithotripsy, RIRS, ECIRS","good_fit_for":"Laser fragmentation of stones in complex locations","why_its_ranked":"Reference centre for laser urology and training centre for International Society of Urology. Uses Holmium laser with RIRS/miniPERC/ECIRS. 1,000+ urology surgeries yearly at IRCCS research hospital."},"agency_settings":[{"setting_name":"is_new","setting_value":"0"},{"setting_name":"kids_only","setting_value":"0"}],"procedure_prices":[{"prices":{"price_from":350,"price_to":400,"currency":"USD","id":29053},"diagnostic":{"id":597,"name":"Online Consultation with Urologist","alias":"online-consultation-with-urologist"}},{"prices":{"price_from":490,"price_to":490,"currency":"USD","id":64199},"diagnostic":{"id":48,"name":"Consultation with a urologist","alias":"urologist-consultation"}}],"reviews":[],"clinic":{"id":298,"alias":"irccs-policlinico-san-donato","name":"San Donato Hospital","logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/clinic_logo/298-6ab44dd379f2e.png","short_description":"San Donato Hospital is an IRCCS-accredited cardiology and cardiac surgery center. It performs over 9,400 heart and blood vessel operations each year – the most in Italy. Core specialties include cardiology, cardiac surgery, arrhythmology, and rehabilitation.
San Raffaele Hospital performs over 52,000 surgeries annually, including advanced urological procedures like urethroscopic lithotripsy. The hospital's urology department is led by Prof. Francesco Montorsi, an internationally recognized expert with 8,000+ urological surgeries performed and numerous awards for his contributions to the field.
San Raffaele Hospital is a top European research center with Italy's IRCCS accreditation. It achieved the world's first stem cell therapy for severe combined immune deficiency. Its main specialties are oncology, neurosurgery, and cardiovascular surgery.
Dr. Alessandro Calarco, a skilled urologist with expertise in minimally invasive procedures, specializes in percutaneous lithotripsy and ureterorenoscopy. He holds an international patent for improving percutaneous kidney surgery for large stones and is a member of the European Board of Urology. The clinic, part of GVM Care & Research, treats around 15,000 patients annually with a team of 450 professionals.
Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy is a Rome hospital founded in 1932 and part of GVM Care & Research. It treats around 15,000 patients each year. The hospital is accredited by the Italian National Health Service.
Dr. Caterina Lania specializes in male and female urogenital pathologies at San Raffaele Hospital, with 150+ published scientific articles.
Dr. Caterina Lania is a consultant in andrology and urology at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. She authored over 150 scientific articles on the genitourinary system. Dr. Lania specializes in treating both male and female urogenital conditions at an IRCCS-accredited research center. She treats complex pathologies of the male genital organs and bladder tumors.
San Raffaele Hospital is a top European research center with Italy's IRCCS accreditation. It achieved the world's first stem cell therapy for severe combined immune deficiency. Its main specialties are oncology, neurosurgery, and cardiovascular surgery.
Dr. Calarco holds an international patent for improving percutaneous kidney surgery – a testament to his innovative approach in urology. He practices at Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy.
Dr. Alessandro Calarco is a urologist at Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy in Rome. He holds an international patent for a flow reducer used in kidney stone surgery. Dr. Calarco specializes in minimally invasive and endourological procedures for complex conditions. He treats prostate cancer, kidney stones, and varicocele using surgical and reconstructive techniques.
Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy is a Rome hospital founded in 1932 and part of GVM Care & Research. It treats around 15,000 patients each year. The hospital is accredited by the Italian National Health Service.
Dr. Francesco Montorsi has performed over 8,000 urological and andrological surgeries at San Raffaele Hospital. He serves as the Scientific Director of the San Raffaele Scientific Institute. Dr. Montorsi is recognized among the most influential researchers of the past decade. He developed a specific vein patching method to correct occlusive vein dysfunction.
San Raffaele Hospital is a top European research center with Italy's IRCCS accreditation. It achieved the world's first stem cell therapy for severe combined immune deficiency. Its main specialties are oncology, neurosurgery, and cardiovascular surgery.
This therapy breaks down urinary tract stones using a scope, offering a less invasive and quick recovery option.
"}}},"operationIndicators":{"details":{"anesthesia":"general","days_in_clinic":1,"days_in_country":2,"rehabilitation_days":1,"satisfied_percent":78,"treatment_duration_hours":1},"illness_kind_details":{"requests_processed":10917}},"direction":{"id":16,"name":"Urology","alias":"urology"},"illness_kind":{"id":16,"name":{"en":"Urology"}},"parsed_details":{"procedure_type":"surgery","fields":{"anesthesia":["general"],"back_to_work_days":{"min":2,"max":7,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Desk work earlier; longer if stent remains in place or symptoms persist."},"complication_rate_pct":{"min":5,"max":20,"unit":"percent","qualifier":"Any complication within 30 days, mostly minor (stent symptoms, fever, haematuria); serious ones under 2%."},"contraindications":["Untreated urinary tract infection","Uncorrected bleeding disorder or unmanaged anticoagulation","Pregnancy","Unfit for anesthesia","Uncorrected urethral stricture preventing scope passage","Sepsis or obstructive pyelonephritis until drained"],"days_in_clinic":{"min":0,"max":1,"unit":"nights","qualifier":"Usually discharged same day; overnight stay if complications or infection concerns."},"diagnostic_duration_minutes":null,"diagnostic_preparation":null,"diagnostic_referral_needed":null,"diagnostic_result_time_hours":null,"exercise_resume_weeks":{"min":1,"max":2,"unit":"weeks","qualifier":"Strenuous exercise after stent removal and haematuria settling."},"final_result_months":{"min":0,"max":1,"unit":"months","qualifier":"Stone-free status confirmed by imaging after stent removal and fragment passage."},"fly_home_after_days":{"min":3,"max":5,"unit":"days","qualifier":"After stone clearance confirmed and stent removed or removal planned; depends on surgeon clearance."},"follow_up_visits":[{"purpose":"assessment","after":{"min":3,"max":5,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Imaging to confirm stone clearance before travel home."},"requirement":"routine"},{"purpose":"other","after":{"min":3,"max":14,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Ureteral stent removal if a stent was placed."},"requirement":"conditional"},{"purpose":"result_review","after":{"min":14,"max":42,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Remote or local review of imaging and urine tests."},"requirement":"routine"}],"indications":["Ureteral stones","Bladder stones","Urethral stones","Stones causing obstruction or pain","Stones not passing spontaneously","Recurrent infection due to stones"],"main_risks":["Ureteral injury or perforation","Urinary tract infection or sepsis","Bleeding and blood in urine","Residual fragments needing retreatment","Ureteral stricture","Stent discomfort","Anesthesia risks"],"pain":"Mild to moderate burning and flank discomfort for 2-3 days. Stent symptoms such as urgency and flank pain with voiding occur if placed; simple analgesics usually suffice.","preparation":["Urine culture and treat infection first","Stop blood thinners as instructed","Fast 6-8 hours before surgery","Pre-operative blood tests and imaging","Anesthesia assessment"],"recovery_timeline":[{"phase":"Day 0-1","description":"Recovery from anesthesia, catheter or stent possible, pink urine and burning.","restrictions":["Rest"]},{"phase":"Days 2-7","description":"Haematuria and urgency settle; fragments pass; stent removed if placed.","restrictions":["No heavy lifting","Avoid strenuous activity"]},{"phase":"Weeks 2-4","description":"Full activity resumes; clearance confirmed by imaging.","restrictions":[]}],"rehabilitation_days":{"min":2,"max":7,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Return to ordinary activity; longer with stent in place."},"result_longevity":"Stone removal is immediate and permanent for that stone. New stones recur in about 30-50% within 5 years without metabolic prevention.","revision_rate_pct":{"min":5,"max":15,"unit":"percent","qualifier":"Repeat endoscopic procedure for residual fragments, stricture or stent problems within 3 months."},"scars":"No incisions; the scope passes through the urethra, so no visible scars.","sessions_or_stages":{"sessions":{"min":1,"max":1,"unit":"visits","qualifier":"Single endoscopic session; retreatment only if residual fragments remain."},"stages":[{"code":"lithotripsy","label":"Scope-guided stone fragmentation and removal","after":{"min":0,"max":0,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Same session."}},{"code":"stent_removal","label":"Stent removal if placed","after":{"min":3,"max":14,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Only when a stent is left."}}],"qualifier":"One procedure, with optional stent removal afterwards."},"success":{"metric":"Stone-free rate after single ureteroscopic lithotripsy","value":85,"unit":"percent","horizon":"4-6 weeks, confirmed by imaging","population":"Adults with ureteral or bladder stones","evidence_status":"limited"},"techniques":[{"name":"Holmium laser lithotripsy","suits_whom":"Most ureteral and bladder stones of any composition.","recovery":"Return to normal activity in 2-7 days."},{"name":"Pneumatic lithotripsy","suits_whom":"Mid and lower ureteral stones; simple cases.","recovery":"Similar recovery; higher fragment migration risk."}],"treatment_conditions":["day_case"],"treatment_duration_hours":{"min":0.5,"max":1.5,"unit":"hours","qualifier":"Depends on stone size, hardness and location."},"initial_assessment_documents":["Non-contrast CT of kidneys, ureters and bladder","Ultrasound report of urinary tract","Urinalysis and urine culture report","Recent creatinine and kidney function blood tests","Previous stone treatment or discharge reports (if available)"],"travel_trips":{"min":1,"max":1,"one_trip_possible":true,"qualifier":"Single endoscopic session, usually day surgery; stay 3-5 days to confirm 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