How Is Kidney Stone Surgery Performed? Your FAQs Answered
Kidney stones are one of the most common urological conditions, causing intense pain and discomfort. While many small kidney stones can be managed through medication and lifestyle changes, larger stones or those causing significant pain may require surgery. At Zymus Hospital, we provide advanced and minimally invasive procedures for kidney stone removal, tailored to your specific condition.
In this blog, we will answer some of the most common questions about kidney stone surgery, including how it’s performed, when surgery is necessary, and what to expect during recovery.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. They can vary in size, from small grains to large stones that can obstruct the flow of urine. These stones are often composed of calcium, oxalate, uric acid, or phosphate.
Common symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Severe pain in the back, side, or abdomen
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Frequent urination or difficulty passing urine
- Fever and chills (in case of infection)
Most kidney stones pass naturally through the urinary tract, but larger stones or stones that block the ureter may require medical intervention.
When Is Kidney Stone Surgery Necessary?
Not all kidney stones require surgery. Small stones may pass naturally with the help of fluids and medication to manage pain. However, surgery is recommended in the following cases:
- Large stones (typically larger than 2 centimeters in diameter) that are unlikely to pass on their own
- Obstruction of the urinary tract, causing pain, infection, or kidney damage
- Stones causing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or hematuria
- Kidney damage or impaired kidney function due to prolonged obstruction
If your kidney stones are causing severe symptoms, or if conservative treatments aren’t effective, surgery may be the best option for relief. At Zymus Hospital, our urologists will evaluate your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment plan for you.
How Is Kidney Stone Surgery Performed?
There are several surgical techniques used to remove kidney stones, depending on the size, location, and type of stone. The main types of kidney stone surgery are:
- Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) is a non-invasive procedure used to break kidney stones into smaller fragments. This technique is ideal for stones that are small to medium-sized and located in the kidney.
How It Works:
- The patient is given local anesthesia or sedation to ensure comfort.
- High-energy shock waves are directed at the kidney stone from outside the body.
- The shock waves break the stone into smaller pieces, which can then be passed naturally through the urinary tract.
Recovery:
SWL is a minimally invasive procedure with a quick recovery time. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few days, though they may experience some discomfort or bruising.
- Ureteroscopy
Ureteroscopy is a procedure used to remove stones from the ureter (the tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder) or the kidney. It is typically recommended for stones that are located in the ureter or for stones that are too large to be treated with SWL.
How It Works:
- A thin, flexible tube (ureteroscope) is inserted into the urethra and passed through the bladder and ureter to the kidney.
- The surgeon uses the ureteroscope to locate and remove the stone, or they may use a laser to break the stone into smaller pieces.
- The stone fragments are then removed using specialized tools or allowed to pass naturally.
Recovery:
Ureteroscopy typically requires general or spinal anesthesia. The recovery time is generally short, but patients may experience mild discomfort, including pain during urination or blood in the urine, which should subside within a few days.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a more invasive procedure used to remove large kidney stones or stones that are located in difficult-to-reach areas of the kidney.
How It Works:
- The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
- A small incision is made in the back, and a tube is inserted directly into the kidney.
- The surgeon uses specialized instruments to remove or break up the stone through the incision.
- The procedure may involve the use of a laser or other tools to fragment the stone into smaller pieces.
Recovery:
PCNL is generally reserved for larger stones, and it requires a longer hospital stay for recovery, typically 1 to 2 days. Patients may experience pain at the incision site and will require a catheter for urine drainage during recovery.
- Open Surgery
Open surgery is rarely required but may be necessary for very large kidney stones or cases where other procedures have been unsuccessful. It involves making an incision in the abdomen or back to access the kidney and remove the stone directly.
How It Works:
- The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
- An incision is made in the abdomen or back to access the kidney.
- The stone is removed directly through the incision.
Recovery:
Open surgery requires a longer recovery period compared to other procedures, with a hospital stay of several days. Recovery can take up to 6 weeks, and patients may experience pain, swelling, and scarring at the incision site.
What to Expect After Kidney Stone Surgery
The recovery process after kidney stone surgery varies depending on the procedure used. However, most patients can expect the following:
- Postoperative Care: You may be monitored for a few hours to ensure there are no complications. Pain management will be provided, and you may be given antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Catheterization: For some procedures, such as PCNL or ureteroscopy, a catheter may be inserted to help drain urine from the kidney. This is typically removed after a few days.
- Activity Restrictions: It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice on activity restrictions after surgery. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of surgery performed.
- Follow-Up Appointments: You will need to follow up with your urologist to ensure the stones have been completely removed and monitor your recovery. Imaging tests may be performed to check for any remaining stone fragments.
Risks and Complications of Kidney Stone Surgery
While kidney stone surgery is generally safe, it does carry some risks, including:
- Infection at the surgical site or in the urinary tract
- Bleeding, which may require additional treatment
- Injury to the surrounding organs or tissues
- Stone recurrence (new stones forming after surgery)
Your urologist at Zymus Hospital will take all necessary precautions to minimize these risks and ensure your safety during surgery.
Conclusion
Kidney stone surgery is an effective treatment for removing stones that cannot be passed naturally. The procedure chosen will depend on the size, location, and type of stone, as well as your overall health. At Zymus Hospital, our expert urologists provide advanced kidney stone treatment options, including shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, PCNL, and open surgery when needed.
If you are suffering from kidney stones or have been advised to undergo surgery, contact Zymus Hospital for a consultation. Our team of specialists will help you understand the best options for your condition and guide you through the treatment and recovery process.
Book an appointment at Zymus Hospital today for comprehensive kidney stone treatment and expert care.
