Overview
A kidney stone surgery is performed to remove kidney stones that are large and cannot pass on their own causing intense pain, discomfort, or infection.
Kidney stones are irregular-shaped solid masses of mineral and salt deposits in the kidney. Treatment for kidney stones is based on the type, location, and size of the stones.
Sometimes the stones are very small in size and can pass through the urinary tract on their own. Your healthcare professional may prescribe pain medications and ask you to drink plenty of water and fluids to help them pass naturally.
Some kidney stones are very large and get stuck in the ureters or obstruct the urine flow resulting in intense pain, inflammation, and infection.
In that case, the healthcare provider performs surgery to physically remove the stones, provide relief to the symptoms, and allow a smooth flow of urine.
Is kidney stone surgery painful?
A kidney stone surgery can be of different types and most of them are minimally invasive procedures where you can go home the same day or may need a brief hospital stay. An open kidney stone surgery is rarely performed and will need a longer hospital stay.
Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL)
It is one of the least-invasive procedures and a very common treatment for kidney stones. The urologist uses high-energy shock waves to blast the kidney stones into smaller fragments.
There are no cuts or incisions in this procedure. The shock waves are applied externally using a lithotripter on the skin. It takes about 30 minutes and is done under general anesthesia.
You may go home the same day or stay overnight if any complication is detected during or after the surgery.
After the procedure, there may be some mild soreness or bruising on the skin where the lithotripter was applied.
Ureteroscopy
It is done under general or spinal anesthesia and can take up to one hour. The urologist inserts a thin, short ureteroscope with an attached camera through the urethra into the bladder to view the stone. Laser beams are passed through the ureteroscope to break the stones into fragments. The stone fragments are collected in a small stone basket.
The doctor may place a temporary stent to ensure smooth urine flow.
This procedure needs an overnight stay at the hospital.
There may be some bleeding and discomfort due to the placement of the stent. It is normal to experience flank pain and bladder spasms after the procedure. Drink plenty of fluids for easy urination. Take recommended painkillers for managing the pain.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
The surgeon administers general anesthesia to remove irregular or large stones.
A small half-inch incision is made on the back to access the kidney and to pass a fiber-optic tool called the nephroscope. The surgeon uses ultrasonic energy to break the stones which are suctioned through the scope.
After the procedure, you will be asked to stay in the hospital for one or two days. Full recovery will take one to two weeks after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Open surgery
Open surgery is only recommended when any other procedure cannot remove the stones or there are other health complications.
In an open surgery, a long cut is made to open the kidney and the ureter and the stone is removed. Stitches are applied to close the wound. The procedure requires a longer hospital stay for recovery.
Post-surgery, there may be some burning sensation during urination. The doctor will prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and painkillers for managing inflammation and pain. Antibiotics will be prescribed for infection.
For less invasive procedures like shock-wave lithotripsy and ureteroscopy, there are no incisions required. Postoperative discomfort is also minimal and recovery is faster. The doctor may prescribe certain medications to allow easy passing of the stones.
Can kidney stones come back after surgery?
On average, about 30% of the patients who have undergone a kidney stone surgery can have another kidney stone attack within 3 to 5 years.
Various factors can contribute to the recurrence:
- There is a history of kidney stones in the family
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Decreased fluid intake
- High amounts of calcium in the diet
- Intake of sodium-reach food
- Osteoporosis
- High blood pressure
- Hyperuricemia
- Hyperglycemia
Dietary intervention, a healthy lifestyle, and regular exercise can reduce the risks of recurrence of kidney stones.
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
