A prevalent health problem influencing millions of individuals globally are kidney stones. Made of minerals and salts, these hard deposits develop inside the kidneys and can be quite painful as they pass the urinary canal. Untreated kidney stones have major consequences including renal damage and infections. Often a urologist, a kidney stones specialist is quite […]

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Discover advanced kidney stone treatment at NU Hospitals. From minimally invasive surgeries to long-term management, our expert urologists provide personalized care in Bangalore.

Discover advanced kidney stone treatment at NU Hospitals. From minimally invasive surgeries to long-term management, our expert urologists provide personalized care in Bangalore.

This blog will explore kidney stones, their symptoms in women, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and tips for prevention.

Hard deposits of minerals and salts inside the kidneys are called kidney stones. They come in a range of sizes, from small grains to massive stones that are extremely painful. Surgery may be required to remove kidney stones that grow to be too big to pass through the urinary tract normally or that significantly obstruct the passage. This page describes the various kinds of kidney stone surgeries, the steps required, and the recuperation process that patients can anticipate. How Do Kidney Stones Occur? Renal calculi, another name for kidney stones, are hard deposits that arise from an imbalance in the components of urine, such as uric acid, calcium, and oxalate. These minerals have the ability to crystallize and group together to create stones that can either stay in the kidney or travel into the ureters, which are tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder, obstructing them. When Is Surgery Required for Kidney Stones? Surgery for kidney stones is typically advised when: The stone (usually more than 5 mm) is too big to pass by itself. Medication is unable to relieve the excruciating agony caused by the stone. Either bleeding or infection is present. Urine is not flowing freely because of the stone. Even with treatment, the stone has not disappeared after a fair amount of time. Kidney Stone Surgery Types Depending on the size, location, and makeup of the stone, several surgical procedures are possible for its removal. Among these methods are: Lithotripsy with extracorporeal shock waves (ESWL). Synopsis: For kidney stones, one of the most popular non-invasive treatments is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Large stones are broken up into smaller bits that can be naturally moved through the urinary tract using shock waves.Procedure: Using imaging methods like X-rays or ultrasounds, shock waves are aimed at the kidney stone as the patient lies on a table or cushion filled with water during ESWL. The stone is broken up into tiny pieces by the shock waves, and over the next few days or weeks, the pieces flow through the urine. Ultrateroscopy. Overview: A minimally invasive treatment called ureteroscopy is performed to treat kidney or ureter stones. To find and remove the stone, a thin, flexible scope called aureteroscope is sent through the bladder and urethra and into the ureter.Procedure: A small basket or other specialized equipment are used to retrieve the stone once the ureteroscope reaches it. A laser can be used to break up the stone if it is too big to remove in one piece. After that, the pieces are either eliminated or flown through the scope naturally.Recovery: Patients who have ureteroscopy typically only need a little length of time to recover, going back home the same day. The ureter may be temporarily stentted (a tiny tube inserted) to guarantee appropriate urine flow and avoid obstructions. After surgery, the stent is often taken out a few days to a week later. Overview of Open Surgery: Today, minimally invasive methods are the norm for kidney stone removal, hence open surgery is rarely performed. Open surgery might be required, though, if the stones are really big or if there are additional issues. Procedure: To access the kidney and manually remove the stone, open surgery requires making a wider incision in the side or back. Typically, this process is saved for complicated instances that don’t respond to other approaches. Recovery: After open surgery, patients usually need a hospital stay of several days and a recovery period of 4-6 weeks, which is longer than with other kidney stone removal treatments. Following Surgery: Recovery and Care Patients undergoing cirugía cálculos renales need to adhere to particular post-operative guidelines in order to facilitate a speedy recovery and stop new stones from developing. Drink plenty of water: After kidney stone surgery, it’s important to drink plenty of water to help flush out any leftover stone pieces and lower the chance of developing more stones in the future. It is typically recommended to patients to consume 8–12 glasses of water per day. Pain Control: Following surgery, mild to severe pain is typical, particularly when passing debris. Prescription or over-the-counter painkillers can help control this discomfort. Modifications to Diet: Kidney stone prevention is largely dependent on diet. Depending on the kind of stone (calcium, oxalate, or uric acid), medical professionals could advise limiting particular meals or drinks. Future stones can be avoided with a diet low in salt, high in foods high in oxalate, and high in animal protein. Levels of Activity: After surgery, most patients are able to resume modest activities in a few days; however, until the doctor gives the all-clear, heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should be avoided. The type of operation performed determines the recovery period. Rescheduled Meetings. It’s essential to schedule routine follow-up consultations to track recovery and make sure problems don’t develop. Imaging studies could be carried out to look for any surviving pieces or indications of freshly produced stone. Preventing Kidney Stones in the Future Kidney stone recurrence is frequent, thus long-term health depends on taking preventive measures. Among the tactics are: consuming a lot of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. food adjustments dependent on the kind of kidney stone that had previously developed. drugs that physicians recommend to lower the risk of kidney stones. routine medical examinations to track kidney health. Conclusion With the advent of minimally invasive procedures like ureteroscopy, PCNL, and ESWL, kidney stone surgery has advanced significantly and is now able to provide patients with safe and efficient treatment alternatives. Depending on the kidney stone’s size, location, and complexity, each surgical technique has advantages. Although recovery is usually quick, precautions like staying hydrated, making dietary adjustments, and getting regular medical care are crucial to lower the chance of recurrence. Kidney stones can be successfully treated and prevented, enabling patients to swiftly and with little discomfort return to their regular lives.

Extreme pain from kidney stones might cause more major medical problems if left untreated. While some stones pass organically, bigger stones usually call for surgical intervention. Removing these stones, easing symptoms, and stopping more kidney damage can all be accomplished with kidney stone surgery. This page will walk you through the several forms of kidney stone surgery, what to expect, and pointers for a quick recovery. What are Kidney Stones? Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits developed inside the kidneys. From a small grain of sand to bigger stones that might block the urinary tract, they range in weight. Among the typical causes include hereditary elements, a high-protein diet, some drugs, and dehydration. Symptoms of Kidney Stones: Severe pain in the side, back, and below the ribs Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin Pain during urination Pink, red, or brown urine Nausea and vomiting Frequent urination with small amounts of urine If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. When is Surgery Necessary? Kidney stone surgery is recommended when: The stone is too large to pass on its own. The stone is causing severe pain, infection, or bleeding. There is a blockage in the urinary tract. The stone does not pass after a reasonable period. The patient has only one kidney or compromised kidney function. In such cases, surgical intervention is the best option to prevent complications and alleviate symptoms. Types of Kidney Stone Surgeries There are several surgical options available, each suited to the size and location of the kidney stones. Below are the most common procedures: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) Procedure: This non-invasive technique uses high-energy sound waves to break the stones into small fragments that can pass through the urine. Ideal For: Stones smaller than 2 cm located in the kidney or upper part of the ureter. Recovery Time: Patients can usually resume normal activities within a few days. Ureteroscopy (URS) Procedure: A thin, flexible tube called a ureteroscope is inserted into the urethra, bladder, and ureter to reach the stone. The stone is then either removed or broken into smaller pieces. Ideal For: Stones in the lower part of the ureter. Recovery Time: Minimal downtime; patients can go home the same day. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) Procedure: This is a minimally invasive surgery where a small incision is made in the back, and a nephroscope is inserted into the kidney to remove the stones. Ideal For: Large stones (more than 2 cm) or complex stones located inside the kidney. Recovery Time: Hospitalization for 1-2 days and recovery within 1-2 weeks. Open Surgery Procedure: An incision is made in the abdomen or side to remove large or complex stones. Ideal For: Cases where other procedures have failed or are not feasible. Recovery Time: Longer recovery period; usually requires a few weeks to return to normal activities. Preparing for Kidney Stone Surgery Preparation is essential for a successful outcome. Here’s what to keep in mind before undergoing kidney stone surgery: Discuss with Your Doctor: Talk to your doctor about the procedure, risks, benefits, and any concerns you may have. Complete Pre-Operative Tests: This may include blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies to determine the size and location of the stones. Stop Certain Medications: Your doctor may ask you to discontinue certain medications that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs. Follow Fasting Instructions: If your surgery requires anesthesia, follow the fasting guidelines provided by your healthcare team. Arrange Post-Surgery Care: Make arrangements for someone to drive you home and assist you for the first few days. What to Expect During Recovery Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery, the size and number of stones, and your overall health. Here’s what to expect: Pain Management: Mild discomfort is normal. Your doctor may prescribe pain medications and advise you to drink plenty of fluids. Rest and Activity: You will need to rest for a few days and gradually return to your normal activities. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks. Monitor for Complications: Watch for signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or unusual pain. Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur. Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up is necessary to ensure the stones have been completely removed and there is no recurrence. Tips for a Healthy Recovery To speed up your recovery and reduce the chances of future kidney stones, follow these tips: Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out remaining fragments and prevent new stones from forming. Follow Dietary Guidelines: Limit your intake of salt, animal proteins, and foods high in oxalates (e.g., spinach, beets, and chocolate). Take Prescribed Medications: If your doctor has prescribed medications to prevent stone formation, take them as directed. Get Regular Check-Ups: Routine follow-ups can help monitor kidney health and detect any issues early on. Conclusion Removing stones that cannot pass on their own is best achieved with kidney stone surgery. A good result depends on knowing the kinds of operations, being ready, and maintaining a correct recuperation schedule. See your healthcare practitioner always to select the finest treatment depending on your particular situation. With the correct strategy, you can reduce problems and resume an active, healthy life.

The painful and uncomfortable condition known as kidney stones is brought on by the hard buildup of minerals and salts in the kidneys. Many different remedies have been discovered to alleviate this ailment over the years. But kidney stone therapy has changed drastically with the introduction of robotic surgery. Patient outcomes and recuperation times are […]