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Kidney stone surgery recovery - diet, lifestyle, and precautions

Goficure - Blog Page - Kidney stone surgery recovery – diet, lifestyle, and precautions (Blog Post) Last Updated April 27, 2024

Overview

A kidney stone surgery is a treatment to remove painful kidney stones.

The treatment or type of procedure for kidney stones depends on the nature, size, and location of the kidney stone and your overall health. Depending on these factors, you may have a conservative or surgical treatment.

A kidney stone surgery is done when:

  • The stones are blocking the urine flow
  • Causing intense pain
  • The stone is large and cannot be passed naturally
  • There are infections or inflammation
  • The stone is blocking the ureters or other parts of the urinary tract

How long does it take to recover from a kidney stone surgery?

The duration of your hospital stay depends on the type of procedure and your health condition.

Ureteroscopy

It uses a laser beam ureteroscope to break the stones into smaller fragments and remove them. People may need to stay in the hospital for a night.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy

This procedure is done under general anesthesia. The surgeon uses a small incision to insert an optic camera called a nephroscope. Sound waves are used to break the stones which are then suctioned out. A hospital stay for two to three days is required. You can resume normal activities within a week or two.

Shockwave lithotripsy

This is an outpatient procedure and the surgeon uses sound waves to break the kidney stones. This is a non-invasive procedure and you can resume daily activities within two to three days. After surgery, you have to drink plenty of water and fluids to pass out the fragmented kidney stones.

Open surgery

An open or traditional surgery is performed when the kidney stones cannot be removed using other procedures.

The surgery is done under general anesthesia and an incision is made to open the kidney and the ureter to remove the kidney stone. This is a major operation and you have to stay in the hospital under observation for six to nine days.

Complete recovery may take up to four to six weeks after surgery.

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What can I expect after surgery?

After surgery, it is normal to experience:

  • Mild pain and discomfort at the incision site
  • Painful urination (dysuria) or blood in the urine
  • Soreness at the site where the nephrostomy tube is inserted
  • Nausea

Seek emergency medical care if:

  • There is severe pain or blockage at the incision site
  • Fever and chills
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Foul-smelling urine due to urinary tract infection
  • Swelling, redness, or warmth at the incision site indicates a possible infection
  • Burning sensation during urination
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Recovery after kidney stone surgery

After discharge, consult your healthcare provider and get details on:

  • Wound care and dressing
  • Postoperative food and drinking habits
  • Pain management
  • Driving restrictions
  • Medication changes
  • Normal postoperative side effects and symptoms that need medical attention

Homecare

After surgery, ask someone to accompany you to your home. You can keep a nurse or an attendant to help you during the recovery process.

Take your recommended pain medications and antibiotics to manage pain and prevent infections.

Take ample rest and avoid strenuous activities. Take a few days off from work.

If you have a ureteral stent or nephrostomy tube inserted, you have to visit your doctor for removal.

Dietary changes

  • Drink plenty of fluids and water throughout the day to flush out residual stones, toxins, and minerals and prevent the building up of new stones
  • Limit sodium and oxalate intake
  • Eat fresh foods
  • Avoid processed and deep-fried foods
  • Lower the consumption of animal proteins as it contributes to the formation of uric acid stones
  • Increase the intake of plant-based proteins like tofu, lentils, beans, etc.

Healthy lifestyle

Regular exercise, a healthy body weight, and a balanced diet can help in preventing the formation of kidney stones. Avoid vitamin C supplements. Fresh fruits and vegetables with vitamin C are good for your health.

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Kidney stones prevention

If you have recently undergone a kidney stone removal surgery or have a history of kidney stones, here are a few tips to prevent its recurrence:

  • Stay hydrated and drink fluids
  • Keep your body hydrated before and after workouts
  • Cut out foods that are high in sodium and fats
  • Limit the consumption of meat
  • Cut down animal proteins
  • Consume foods that are low in oxalate like citrus fruits
  • Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body weight

 

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Final words

Kidney stones are a common medical condition and recovery is fairly easy after a kidney stone removal surgery. It is crucial to follow the doctor’s instructions to avoid complications. Follow a healthy diet and lifestyle after the procedure. Talk to your doctor about your diet regime and preventive care to avoid the recurrence of kidney stones in the future.

 

Dos
  • Eat plenty of watery fruits like watermelon and apples
  • Reduce animal protein intake
  • Take rest for faster recovery
Don'ts
  • Consume sugary beverages or foods
  • Eat processed or spicy foods after surgery
  • Do strenuous activities post-surgery

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