Advanced Care for Kidney Stone Treatment
What are Kidney Stones? How are they formed?
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in your kidneys, made from minerals and salts. Factors like diet, dehydration, certain conditions, and genetics can contribute to their formation.
Symptoms often include sharp pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin, alongside nausea, vomiting, and changes in urine.
Treatments vary, from hydration and pain relievers to help pass smaller stones, to medical interventions like lithotripsy, which breaks stones into small pieces, or surgical options for larger stones. Preventative measures include staying hydrated, dietary changes, and medications.
Our Treatment Approach:
- Diagnosis: Details on the diagnostic process, including ultrasound and CT scans, with an image of a patient undergoing a non-invasive diagnostic test.
- Treatment Options: A breakdown of treatment methods, such as:
- Lithotripsy: Lithotripsy is a medical procedure used to treat kidney stones by breaking them into smaller pieces that can be more easily passed through the urinary tract. This is typically done using shock waves (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy) or a laser (ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy), depending on the size, location, and type of stone. The process aims to reduce the stone to fragments that the patient can pass naturally with minimal discomfort, offering an alternative to more invasive surgical methods.
- Ureteroscopy: Ureteroscopy is a procedure used to treat kidney stones and other conditions within the urinary tract. It involves the insertion of a thin, flexible scope through the urethra and bladder into the ureter or kidney to directly visualize, break up, or remove stones. Tools can be passed through the ureteroscope to break stones into smaller pieces or to remove them directly. This method is particularly useful for stones lodged in the ureter and does not require an external incision.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a surgical procedure for removing large kidney stones. It involves making a small incision in the back and inserting a nephroscope directly into the kidney to locate and remove the stones. This method is typically used for stones that are too large, too hard, or too numerous to be treated with less invasive methods like lithotripsy or ureteroscopy. It’s known for its effectiveness in clearing large stone burdens, requiring hospitalization and general anesthesia.
- Aftercare and Prevention
To prevent future kidney stones, consider these tips: Stay well-hydrated, aim for a balanced diet with reduced salt and animal proteins, limit foods high in oxalates if advised, and maintain a healthy weight. Incorporate calcium-rich foods appropriately, as dietary calcium can help lower the risk of stones. Monitoring and possibly adjusting your intake of certain foods and supplements, based on your specific situation and doctor’s advice, can also be crucial in preventing stone recurrence.
