Description

Kidney Stones Treatment Options Kidney stone treatment depends on the size, location, type, and symptoms of the stone. Treatment ranges from conservative management (fluids, pain relief) to minimally invasive and surgical procedures for larger or obstructive stones. 1. Conservative (Non-Surgical) Management ✅ Indications: Small stones (<5 mm), mild symptoms, no infection ✅ Methods: Hydration: Drink 2.5–3 liters/day to help pass the stone. Pain relief: NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac) or opioids for severe pain. Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET): Tamsulosin (alpha-blocker) relaxes ureter muscles to ease stone passage. Effective for stones 5–10 mm in the ureter. Dietary Changes: Reduce sodium, animal protein, and oxalate-rich foods (e.g., spinach, nuts). ⏳ Passage Time: 1–4 weeks, depending on size/location 2. Minimally Invasive Procedures ✅ Indications: Stones >5–10 mm, severe pain, blockage, recurrent UTIs A. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) Uses sound waves to break stones into small fragments. Non-invasive (no incision). Best for stones <2 cm in the kidney or upper ureter. Limitations: May require multiple sessions, less effective for dense or large stones. ⏳ Recovery: 1–2 days B. Ureteroscopy (URS) with Laser Lithotripsy Endoscope inserted via urethra → ureter → kidney. Laser breaks stone into fragments, which are removed or left to pass. Best for stones in the ureter or kidney, <2 cm. Can treat hard stones (e.g., cystine stones). ⏳ Recovery: 2–5 days C. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) – For Large Stones Small incision in the back, stone removed with a nephroscope. Best for: Large kidney stones (>2 cm) Staghorn stones (branched, filling kidney) Failed ESWL/URS Most effective treatment for large stones (80–90% success). ⏳ Recovery: 1–2 weeks, hospital stay: 1–3 days 3. Open / Laparoscopic Surgery (Rarely Needed) ✅ Indications: Very large, complex stones or failed minimally invasive treatments ✅ Types: Laparoscopic stone removal (keyhole surgery). Open surgery (last resort, rare). ⏳ Recovery: 2–4 weeks

Filter tags