Ureteroscopy Cost Philippines 2026: URS Price, PhilHealth, and How It Compares to ESWL and PCNL

Quick Answer: Ureteroscopy (URS) with laser lithotripsy for kidney or ureteral stones in the Philippines typically costs ₱40,000–150,000, in the same band as PCNL. The less invasive alternative, ESWL (shockwave therapy), runs ₱15,000–60,000 per session, with a published-study median around ₱57,800 for a single session. PhilHealth has a case rate that applies to lithotripsy procedures, though the exact peso amount isn't something we're citing here — confirm the current figure with your hospital's PhilHealth desk.

About these figures: Prices below are 2026 estimates compiled from clinic inquiries and published rate cards across the Philippines; individual urologists and hospitals quote per case based on stone size, location, and the equipment used. Confirm the final price with the hospital or urology clinic before scheduling any procedure.

Table of Contents

• What is ureteroscopy?
• How much does ureteroscopy cost in the Philippines?
• Ureteroscopy vs ESWL vs PCNL: which is cheaper?
• What affects the price of ureteroscopy?
• Does PhilHealth cover ureteroscopy?
• What to expect: recovery and hospital stay
• How does ureteroscopy fit into total treatment cost?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

What is ureteroscopy?

Ureteroscopy (URS) is a procedure where a urologist passes a thin scope through the urethra and bladder up into the ureter or kidney to locate a stone directly, then breaks it apart with a laser — this is why it's often called URS with laser lithotripsy. Unlike ESWL, which targets the stone from outside the body with shockwaves, URS lets the surgeon see and treat the stone directly, which is why it's frequently chosen for stones lodged in the ureter or for cases where ESWL hasn't worked.

It's typically done under general or spinal anesthesia and, for most patients, doesn't require any external incision — the scope goes in through the natural urinary tract.

How much does ureteroscopy cost in the Philippines?

Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy generally costs ₱40,000–150,000 in the Philippines, and it sits in the same broad range as PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy), the more invasive option used for larger kidney stones.

The wide spread for URS and PCNL reflects real variation: a single small ureteral stone in one urologist's clinic bills very differently from a large, complex kidney stone requiring a longer operating-room case in a private tertiary hospital. Always ask for a written estimate from your urologist once they've reviewed your imaging.

Ureteroscopy vs ESWL vs PCNL: which is cheaper?

ESWL is the cheapest option upfront — ₱15,000–60,000 per session, with a published-study median of roughly ₱57,800 for a single session — but it's non-invasive and works from outside the body, so it's typically reserved for smaller, more accessible stones and sometimes needs more than one session to fully clear a stone.

URS and PCNL cost more per procedure (₱40,000–150,000 each) because they involve anesthesia, operating-room time, and in PCNL's case, a small incision into the kidney. Urologists generally choose between them based on stone size and location, not cost alone — a stone that ESWL can't reach or hasn't cleared after repeat sessions may end up needing URS or PCNL regardless of the price difference. This is a decision for your urologist to make based on your imaging and case history.

What affects the price of ureteroscopy?

A handful of factors typically move the bill up or down:

• Stone size and number. A single small stone is a shorter case than multiple or large stones.
• Stone location. Stones higher up in the ureter or inside the kidney can mean longer procedure time.
• Laser technology used. Different laser platforms (e.g., holmium laser systems) carry different equipment costs that hospitals pass through.
• Anesthesia type. General anesthesia typically costs more than spinal/regional anesthesia.
• Hospital tier. A private tertiary hospital in Metro Manila generally bills higher than a regional government facility.
• Length of hospital stay. Same-day discharge costs less than an overnight admission.

Because of this spread, the only reliable number is the one your urologist gives you after reviewing your ultrasound or CT scan. If you haven't been imaged yet, see our guides on ultrasound cost in the Philippines and CT scan cost in the Philippines for what that step typically runs.

Does PhilHealth cover ureteroscopy?

Yes, in principle — PhilHealth maintains a case rate for lithotripsy-type procedures under its standard case-rate system, which applies to eligible members admitted for stone removal. We're not citing a specific peso amount here because case rates are updated periodically and the applicable rate depends on your specific procedure code; confirm the current case rate with your hospital's PhilHealth or billing desk before your procedure.

For how PhilHealth case rates generally work for hospital admissions, see our PhilHealth hospitalization benefits guide. The case rate is deducted directly from your final bill — it isn't a separate reimbursement you claim afterward.

What to expect: recovery and hospital stay

Most ureteroscopy patients go home the same day or after one night, depending on the hospital's protocol and how the procedure went. It's common for the urologist to place a temporary stent in the ureter after the procedure to keep it open while it heals; this is usually removed in a short follow-up visit days to a few weeks later — ask your urologist about their specific stent-removal timeline.

Mild discomfort, some blood in the urine, and a frequent urge to urinate in the first few days are commonly reported after URS. Your urologist will typically prescribe pain medication and advise on fluid intake to help pass any remaining stone fragments. Always follow your own doctor's post-procedure instructions rather than general guidance like this.

How does ureteroscopy fit into total treatment cost?

The ₱40,000–150,000 figure typically covers the procedure itself — anesthesia, operating-room time, the urologist's professional fee, and standard hospital charges for the admission. It generally does not automatically include the diagnostic imaging that led to the diagnosis, the pre-operative lab work, or the follow-up visit where a stent is removed, since these are often billed separately depending on the hospital's package structure.

Before scheduling, ask your urologist or the hospital's billing office for an itemized estimate that clarifies what's bundled into the quoted procedure price and what will appear as a separate line item. This is the only way to get a number you can actually budget against, since our range reflects the market broadly rather than any single hospital's package.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does ureteroscopy cost in the Philippines?

Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy typically costs ₱40,000–150,000, in the same range as PCNL. The exact price depends on stone size and location, anesthesia type, and the hospital.

Is ureteroscopy cheaper than ESWL?

No — ESWL is generally the cheaper option per session at ₱15,000–60,000, while URS runs ₱40,000–150,000. However, ESWL sometimes requires repeat sessions, and it isn't suitable for every stone. Which one your urologist recommends depends on your stone's size and location, not price alone.

Does PhilHealth cover ureteroscopy?

PhilHealth maintains a case rate for lithotripsy-type procedures that applies to eligible members. The exact amount depends on the specific procedure code and is deducted directly from your hospital bill — confirm the current figure with your hospital's PhilHealth desk before your procedure.

What is the difference between URS and PCNL?

Ureteroscopy (URS) goes in through the natural urinary tract with no external incision, while PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy) involves a small incision into the kidney to remove larger stones. Both fall in the same ₱40,000–150,000 price range; your urologist chooses based on stone size and location.

Will I need to stay overnight after ureteroscopy?

Many patients go home the same day or after one night, depending on the hospital's protocol and the case. Ask your urologist what to expect for your specific procedure.

Do I need a stent after ureteroscopy?

It's common for urologists to place a temporary ureteral stent after the procedure to keep the ureter open while it heals, removed at a short follow-up visit. Not every case requires one — this is a decision for your urologist.

What imaging do I need before ureteroscopy?

Your urologist will typically order an ultrasound or CT scan to confirm the stone's size and location before recommending a procedure. See our guides on ultrasound cost and CT scan cost in the Philippines for general pricing.

Can ureteroscopy be done for kidney stones as well as ureteral stones?

Yes — while URS is especially common for stones in the ureter, it can also reach and treat stones within the kidney itself, depending on size and accessibility. Your urologist determines suitability based on your imaging.

Conclusion

Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy typically costs ₱40,000–150,000 in the Philippines, on par with PCNL and noticeably more than a single ESWL session (₱15,000–60,000). The right procedure for you depends on your stone's size and location, a decision your urologist makes after reviewing your imaging — not on price alone. For the fuller picture on all three stone-removal options and how PhilHealth applies to each, see our kidney stone removal cost guide. To find a urologist or hospital near you, use ClinicFinderPH.