Kidney Stone Surgery
Kidney stone surgery is a surgical procedure to remove or break stones formed in the kidney. Kidney stones can build up in the kidneys and block the urinary tract, causing severe pain, urinary problems, and other health problems. Kidney stone surgery can be performed with different methods depending on the size, location of the stones and the patient’s condition. Here are some common kidney stone surgery methods:
- ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy): In this method, high-intensity sound waves are used to break the stones. These waves focus on the stones outside the body and break them into small pieces so that the stones can then be thrown naturally. ESWL is suitable for small or medium sized stones.
- Ureteroscopic Stone Crushing (URS – Ureteroscopy): In this method, a ureteroscope (a thin tube) is used to enter the urinary tract and directly access the stone in the kidney or ureter. The ureteroscope has surgical instruments used to break or capture the stone. Stones are broken up or completely removed and sometimes laser or ultrasonic energy can be used.
- PNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): This is a surgical method used to remove larger and complex kidney stones. The kidney is reached by making an incision through the skin and the stones are removed or broken using a special tool (nephroscope). PNL is generally preferred for large or multiple stones, when ESWL or URS fails to work, or when the stones are large enough to damage other kidney structures.
- Laparoscopic or Robotic Kidney Stone Surgery: In these methods, stones are removed using laparoscopic or robotic surgical systems. These methods are less invasive and require smaller incisions, which can provide a faster recovery time and less risk of complications.
The method of kidney stone surgery varies depending on the characteristics of the stones and the condition of the patient. In the post-operative period, patients usually stay in the hospital for a while, and measures are taken to control urine, manage pain, and prevent kidney stone formation. Recovery time after surgery varies depending on the type of surgery and the general health of the patient.
If you have symptoms or discomfort related to kidney stones, it is important to see a urologist. Your doctor will take steps to determine the most appropriate treatment option for you and effectively treat kidney stones.
Kidney Stone Surgery
Kidney stone surgery is a surgical procedure to remove or break a kidney stone. The surgical method is determined depending on the size, location, number of the stone and the patient’s condition. Here are some common kidney stone surgery methods:
- Ureteroscopic Stone Removal (URS – Ureteroscopy): In this method, a ureteroscope (a thin tube) is inserted into the urinary tract and direct access to the stone in the kidney or ureter is provided. The ureteroscope has surgical instruments used for viewing and breaking or capturing the stone. This method is commonly used for small and medium sized stones.
- ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy): In this method, stones are broken by using high-intensity sound waves from outside the body. Externally focused sound waves break the stone into pieces, allowing smaller pieces to be ejected naturally. ESWL is suitable for small and some medium sized stones.
- PNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): This method is used to remove larger and complex kidney stones. The kidney is reached by making an incision through the skin and the stones are removed or broken using a special tool (nephroscope). PNL may be preferred in cases where large stones or other methods cannot achieve successful results.
- Laparoscopic or Robotic Kidney Stone Surgery: These methods are less invasive methods performed using laparoscopic or robotic surgical systems. Stones are removed using a thin tube and surgical instruments. Laparoscopic or robotic methods may have smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
In the post-kidney stone surgery period, patients usually stay in the hospital for a while and receive advice on urinary control, pain management, and the healing process. The postoperative follow-up and treatment process varies depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s particular condition.
If you have symptoms related to kidney stones or it is determined that your stones require treatment, it is important to consult a urologist. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate surgical method and treatment plan based on the characteristics of the stone and your disease status.
Assoc.Prof. Tuncay TAŞ
Urology Specialist
Istanbul/ TURKEY