OBJECTIVE To report the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of subcapsular renal haematoma (SRH) after ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) using holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser to treat ureteric stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS Prospective data from 2848 URSLs performed between January 2003 and September 2010 were retrospectively analysed. In all 11 patients were identified as having a SRH after URSL if they had persistent severe ipsilateral flank pain or a palpable mass within a day of surgery, or presented with radiographic evidence of a SRH. Risk factors for the development and course of the SRH were reported. RESULTS Of the 2848 consecutive patients treated with URSL using Ho: YAG laser, 11 (0.4%) developed a SRH after surgery. Patients who developed a SRH had larger stones (1.4 vs 0.9 cm, P < 0.001), more severe ipsilateral hydronephrosis (P < 0.001), longer operation duration (41 vs 33 min, P < 0.001), and higher perfusion pressure of hydraulic irrigation (176.8 vs 170.2 mmHg, P < 0.001) than patients who did not develop a SRH. Patient age, sex, body mass index, presence of diabetes mellitus, history of urolithiasis and hypertension, presence of multiple stones, stone location and flow rate of hydraulic irrigation were not statistically different in patients who did or did not develop a SRH. Most patients were managed conservatively, with no further intervention or with a flank drain, until the SRH resolved. Overall, in three patients the SRH resolved with no further intervention, six patients were treated with a drain only, and two patients had open surgery within a day of presenting with SRH. CONCLUSIONS The rate of development of SRH after URSL is very low. Most patients who present with a SRH after URSL, can be treated conservatively with no intervention or with a drain only.