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Educational Resource

Your Health,
Clearly Explained

Guías en lenguaje claro sobre cálculos renales, infecciones del tracto urinario, ERGE, esófago de Barrett, cáncer colorrectal, EII y colonoscopia — para ayudarle a comprender su condición, su procedimiento y qué esperar de su atención.

5

In-depth topic guides

2

Speciality areas covered

Plain

Language, no jargon

Free

Always accessible

Este centro de educación para pacientes reúne guías claras y basadas en evidencia sobre las afecciones urológicas y gastrointestinales más comunes — redactadas para pacientes, familias y cuidadores. Los temas incluyen cálculos renales (nefrolitiasis), infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU), ERGE, esófago de Barrett, enfermedad ulcerosa péptica, cáncer colorrectal, enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII), enfermedad diverticular y colonoscopia. Cada guía explica la afección, cómo se diagnostica, las opciones de tratamiento disponibles y qué esperar de procedimientos como PCNL, ureteroscopia (fURS/RIRS), dilatación endoscópica con balón y colonoscopia con polipectomía.

How to Use this Hub

This page is your starting point for understanding your health. Whether you have just been referred for a urological or gastrointestinal procedure, are waiting for a diagnosis, or simply want to learn more about a condition, each guide below is written in clear, plain language — no medical degree required.

Search or Browse

Use the search bar above or scroll through the topic cards to find what you need.

Read Your Guide

Each guide explains what the condition is, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated.

Talk to your Doctor

Use what you've learned to have a more informed conversation with your healthcare team.

Please note: The information on these pages is for educational purposes and does not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare professional. Always speak to a qualified clinician about your personal situation.

Urology

Urology Topics

Guides covering the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urinary tract.

Gastroenterology

Gastrointestinal Topics

Guides covering the oesophagus, stomach, and intestines.

Procedimientos explicados: PCNL, Ureteroscopia, Colonoscopia y Dilatación endoscópica con balón

Hearing that you need a procedure can feel overwhelming. Here is a plain-language overview of the most common minimally invasive procedures that Envaste products support — what happens, why it's done, and what to expect.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

What it is: A minimally invasive procedure to remove large kidney stones through a small incision in your back.

Why it's done: Used when stones are too large to pass naturally or to be broken up by shockwave lithotripsy.

What to expect: Performed under general anaesthetic. A thin telescope and instruments are passed through a small access track to the kidney. You will usually stay in hospital for 1–2 days and recover fully within 2–4 weeks.

Read the full guide

Ureteroscopy (URS / fURS)

What it is: A thin, flexible or rigid telescope is passed through your urethra and bladder to reach stones or strictures in the ureter or kidney.

Why it's done: To treat ureter stones, kidney stones, or to investigate the cause of unexplained blood in the urine.

What to expect: Usually performed under general or spinal anaesthetic. Most patients go home the same day. You may have a temporary ureteral stent placed for a few weeks.

Read the full guide

Endoscopic Balloon Dilation

What it is: A tiny balloon passed through an endoscope is gently inflated to widen a narrowed section of the digestive tract (a stricture).

Why it's done: To treat strictures in the oesophagus, stomach outlet (pylorus), or bowel caused by scarring, Crohn's disease, or previous surgery.

What to expect: Performed as a day-case endoscopy. You will be sedated. It usually takes 15–30 minutes. You may need repeat sessions if the stricture returns.

Read the upper GI guide

Percutaneous Nephrostomy

What it is: A thin drainage tube (catheter) is placed directly into the kidney through the skin, usually under ultrasound or X-ray guidance.

Why it's done: To drain a blocked or infected kidney when the natural drainage path is obstructed, as a temporary or longer-term measure.

What to expect: Usually done under local anaesthetic and sedation. The tube exits through the skin on your back and drains urine into an external bag. You will be taught how to care for it at home.

Read the full guide

Before & After Your Procedure

General guidance on how to prepare and what to expect during recovery. Your clinical team will provide specific instructions — always follow their advice first.

Before Your Procedure

  • Tell your doctor about all medications, including blood thinners and supplements.
  • Follow fasting instructions carefully (usually nothing to eat or drink 6 hours before a general anaesthetic).
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home if sedation or anaesthetic is involved.
  • Write down your questions beforehand so you don't forget to ask them.
  • Complete any bowel preparation or pre-operative urine tests as instructed.

After Your Procedure

  • Rest as directed — your team will advise when you can return to normal activities.
  • Drink plenty of fluids (especially after kidney or urinary procedures) unless told otherwise.
  • Take prescribed medications, including antibiotics, for the full course.
  • Contact your clinical team immediately if you have a high fever, severe pain, or heavy bleeding.
  • Attend all follow-up appointments, even if you feel well.

Common Patient Questions

Most procedures are performed under sedation or anaesthetic, so you will not feel pain during the procedure itself. Mild discomfort, a burning sensation when urinating, or muscle soreness afterwards is common and usually resolves within a few days. Your team will prescribe pain relief as appropriate.
It depends on the procedure. Many endoscopic and ureteroscopy procedures are same-day (day-case). Percutaneous procedures such as PCNL typically require a 1–3 night stay. More complex surgery may require longer. Your surgical team will give you a specific estimate before your procedure.
A ureteral stent is a small, flexible hollow tube placed inside the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder) to keep it open and allow urine to drain freely. It is commonly placed after ureteroscopy or in cases of ureteral obstruction. Most stents are temporary and removed after a few weeks via a quick outpatient procedure. Some people experience bladder urgency or a mild ache while the stent is in place.
Yes — kidney stones can recur, especially without lifestyle changes. Drinking plenty of water (at least 2–2.5 litres per day), reducing salt intake, and following dietary advice based on the type of stone you had are the most effective preventive measures. Your urologist may send the stone for analysis after removal to guide long-term prevention.
GERD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and irritation. A peptic ulcer is an actual sore (break in the lining) that forms in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). Both can feel similar, but peptic ulcers often cause a deeper, gnawing pain and are frequently caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria or long-term NSAID use. Both are very treatable — see the Upper GI guide for more detail.
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience: a high fever (above 38°C / 100.4°F) with shivering, which may indicate an infected obstructed kidney (a medical emergency); severe, uncontrollable pain; vomiting blood or passing blood rectally; or inability to pass urine for more than 8–12 hours. If you are unsure, always contact your clinical team or emergency services.

Finding Support & Further Information

Beyond our educational guides, these external resources provide additional patient support and reliable health information.

NHS Health A–Z

Comprehensive patient information on conditions, tests, and treatments from the UK's National Health Service.

National Kidney Foundation

Patient resources, community support, and educational materials for people living with kidney disease.

Crohn's & Colitis UK

Support, advice and information for people living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Contact Envaste

Have a question for our team? We're happy to point you to the right resource or connect you with a healthcare partner.

Medical Disclaimer The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In case of emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.