Kidney Stones Treatment
Kidney stones, also known as renal stones, is one of the most common urological diseases which
typically presents itself as an acute pain localised at the loin to the groin area. These stones are
solid masses made up of crystals which are formed through the crystallisation process of
concentrated urine.
Generally, the condition itself does not cause any harm but can inflict pain. Apart from acute loin
to groin pain, other symptoms of kidney stones include pain when urinating, cloudy or foul-smelling
urine, blood in the urine and fever.
Without treatment, kidney stones may become trapped in the urinary tract causing urine flow
obstruction. This condition can lead to various complications including urinary tract infection or
worse, kidney damage.
Treating kidney stones
Symptomatic and pharmacological modalities
Treatment modalities for this ailment varies according to the size of stone developed. Drinking six
to eight glasses of water, as per standard recommendation, can increase urine flow thus helping you
to pass smaller stones without having to undergo further invasive treatment.
Some may require pain relief and medication called the alpha-blocker to ensure that the muscles
around ureters (small and delicate tubes connecting kidneys to the urinary bladder) are relaxed.
Those who experience severe dehydration or nausea and vomiting may require intravenous fluid
therapy.
You will be given a course of antibiotics which needs to be completed in a few days if you bear any
symptoms of an infection.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
ESWL is a treatment option which is non-invasive and often prescribed to patients with larger kidney
stones. It uses sound waves to break up large stones into smaller fragments that can be easily
passed through the ureters with urine into your bladder.
To address this condition, our experts use a sophisticated lithotripter called the Dornier Compact
Delta II which is flexible, highly effective and versatile. This procedure takes between 40 to 50
minutes to break down kidney stones by using an externally applied, high-intensity shock wave.
This particular option is suitable for patients with kidney stones measuring between 4 to 20mm. Some
may need to return for a second blasting if they have larger or multiple stones. This repeat
procedure is usually performed a week after the first.
The pain endured during the procedure is minimal and most patients can return to their daily routines
after a day of rest.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
There are circumstances in which patients are treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy
instead of ESWL. This particular procedure may be warranted when:
- The kidney stone causes obstruction, infection or kidney damage
- The kidney stone has grown too large (more than 20mm) for it to pass
- Patients experience excruciating pain which cannot be managed by pharmacological intervention
- Other procedures such as ESWL are unsuccessful
It is a procedure involving the use of a small instrument which is inserted through a small incision
in your back to extract the stone out. After the procedure, you may need to be admitted at the
hospital for a few days to make a full recovery within a week.