Kidney Stone Surgery

Kidney Stone Surgery Meaning

Kidney stone surgery, also known as lithotripsy or nephrolithotomy, is a medical procedure used to remove kidney stones from the urinary tract. Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause pain when they pass through the urinary tract. It is usually recommended for kidney stones that are large, causing severe pain, or blocking the flow of urine. The type of surgery depends on the size, type, and location of the kidney stone, as well as the patient's overall health. 

Here are the primary types of kidney stone removal surgery name are the followings-

• Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL): SWL uses high-energy sound waves to break up kidney stones into smaller pieces that can pass through the urine. It is the least invasive type of kidney stone surgery.

• Ureteroscopy: Ureteroscopy involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end (ureteroscope) through the urethra and bladder into the ureter, where the kidney stone is located. The surgeon can then use a variety of tools to remove the stone or break it into smaller pieces. Ureteroscopy may require a short hospital stay.

• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): PCNL is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to remove large kidney stones or kidney stones that are located in difficult-to-reach areas. The surgeon makes a small incision in the back and inserts a thin tube with a camera at the end (nephroscope) into the kidney. The surgeon can then use a variety of tools to remove the stone or break it into smaller pieces. Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) is usually done in the hospital.

• Open surgery: Open surgery is the most invasive type of kidney stone surgery and is only used when other treatments have failed. The surgeon makes a large incision in the side or back and removes the kidney stone.

• Robotic-assisted kidney stone removal (RASKR): RASKR is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a robotic system to remove kidney stones. It is a newer type of kidney stone surgery, but it is quickly becoming the preferred method for many patients.

A doctor may recommend surgery to remove kidney stones if: 

• The stone is 10 mm or larger

• The stone is lodged in the ureters

• The kidney stone is causing severe pain, bleeding, or infection

• The stone is causing an obstruction of urine flow

• The patient has failed conservative management

• A kidney stone that is damaging the kidney

• The kidney stone is located in a difficult-to-reach area

Kidney stones smaller than 10 mm may not cause symptoms or may cause mild pain. Larger stones can cause stinging pain, urinary tract infections, and other issues. 

Most kidney stones pass on their own. However, stones that are larger than 7 mm rarely pass without surgery. 

Kidney stone surgeries are usually minimally invasive and highly effective. Most surgeries do not require an incision. 

Kidney Stone Removal Surgery Side Effects

Kidney stone surgery is generally safe, but like any surgery, it carries some risks. The most common side effects of kidney stone surgery include:

• Kidney injury

• Stones not breaking down

• High blood pressure or diabetes

• Infection

• Blood loss

• Failure to remove all stone fragments

• Bruising and swelling

• Pain

• Damage to the kidney, ureter, or bladder

Other, less common side effects of kidney stone surgery include:

• Pain caused by the passage of stone fragments

• Blockage to urine flow from stone fragments

• Bleeding around the kidney

• Allergic reaction to anesthesia

• Blood clots

• Damage to other organs, such as the lungs or heart

Kidney Stone Removal Surgery Benefits

Kidney stone surgery can provide a number of benefits, including:

• Relief from pain and discomfort

• Prevention of complications

• Improved quality of life

• Improved kidney function

• Improved Urinary Flow

Kidney stone surgery can improve kidney function by removing obstructions and infections. It can also treat: 

• Stones lodged in the ureters

• Large or painful stones

• Stones that block urine flow

• Bleeding around the kidney

• Damage to the kidney

Here's a general overview of the expected recovery timelines for different types of kidney stone surgeries:

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

• Recovery Time: Most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two.

• Restrictions: Patients may be advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few days.

Ureteroscopy (URS) with Laser Lithotripsy

• Recovery Time: Recovery typically takes a few days to a week.

• Restrictions: Patients may need to avoid activities that could strain the urinary tract, such as heavy lifting, for about a week.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

• Hospital Stay: Patients may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two after the surgery.

• Recovery Time: Complete recovery may take several weeks.

• Restrictions: Activities like heavy lifting and strenuous exercises should be avoided for several weeks.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery

• Recovery Time: Recovery can vary but usually takes a few weeks for most patients.

• Restrictions: Patients are typically advised to avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activities during the initial weeks of recovery.

Open Surgery (Nephrolithotomy):

• Hospital Stay: Patients may need to stay in the hospital for several days to a week, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

• Recovery Time: Complete recovery can take several weeks to months, and patients may require ongoing follow-up care.

• Restrictions: Patients will have significant restrictions on physical activities during the initial stages of recovery.

It is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully after surgery to ensure a full and speedy recovery.

Here are some tips for a speedy recovery from kidney stone surgery:

• Get plenty of rest.

• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, and clear broth.

• Eat a healthy diet.

• Take your pain medication as prescribed by your doctor.

• Avoid strenuous activity.

• Follow your doctor's instructions for bathing and wound care.

• See your doctor for follow-up appointments as scheduled.

If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, please talk to your doctor.

The cost of kidney stone removal surgery in India varies depending on the type of surgery performed, the hospital or clinic where the surgery is performed, and the surgeon's fees.

Here is a breakdown of the average cost of kidney stone removal surgery in India by type of surgery:

• Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL): ₹30,000 to ₹40,000

• Ureteroscopy: ₹40,000 to ₹55,000

• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): ₹70,000 to ₹1,05,000

• Robotic-assisted kidney stone removal (RASKR): ₹1,05,000 to ₹1,50,000

It is important to note that these are just average costs. The actual cost of your kidney stone removal surgery may vary depending on your individual circumstances.

Factors that can affect the cost of kidney stone removal surgery include:

• The size and location of the kidney stone

• The complexity of the surgery

• The surgeon's experience and fees

• The hospital or clinic where the surgery is performed