Urology
Kidney stones form from minerals and salts in your urine that can combine to create hard crystals, or stones. Under normal circumstances, these crystals pass through the urine without issue. However, when there isn't enough urine volume, the substances become highly concentrated and can crystallize, leading to the formation of stones that may not pass easily.
The stone-forming substances are:
Most of the kidney stones which are small in size (<4 mm) usually pass in urine along the urinary tract without any symptoms . When the size of the stone is larger (>4mm) they usually obstruct along their passage and cause symptoms like severe loin/back pain , vomitings , fever which is primarily due to swelling of kidney proximal to the obstructed stone . These stones will not pass along the urine and require surgical removal using Lasers either open or endoscopically depending on the location and size of the stone .
Many kidney stone treatment options are available depending on the stone location and size which are as the following – Kidney stones(PCNL/RIRS/ESWL-laser kidney stone treatment) and Ureteric Stones(laser URSL/laser ureteric stone removal) and for Bladder or urethral stones(CLT- cysto lithotripsy -laser).
Kidney stones, medically known as nephrolithiasis, are mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys. Common symptoms include intense pain in the back and abdomen, blood in the urine, and discomfort during urination. Factors such as dehydration, dietary habits, and genetic predisposition can lead to their development. Treatment options vary from medications and dietary changes to surgical procedures like laser removal. For those seeking the best kidney stone treatment in Hyderabad, early detection and recognition of symptoms, such as pain location and type, are crucial. Preventive measures, including a kidney stone prevention diet and proper hydration, are essential. Consulting a specialist in kidney stone management is advisable for personalized treatment plans that ensure effective and timely care.
The formation of kidney stones does not have a singular cause, but several factors can elevate your risk of developing them -
Kidney stones can cause various symptoms, including:
If you experience severe pain or any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention.
Blood tests: These may include a complete blood count (CBC) to check for infection and serum creatinine to assess kidney function. Other tests can indicate high levels of calcium or uric acid in the blood.
Complete urine analysis (CUE): This helps detect urinary tract infections secondary to stones. A 24-hour urine collection test can reveal excessive excretion of stone-forming minerals like calcium, oxalate, uric acid, or phosphate.
Imaging: High-speed or dual-energy computerized tomography (CT) of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder (CT-KUB) can detect even small stones with accurate size and location. Abdominal X-rays may miss tiny kidney stones and cannot detect all types of stones. Ultrasound is another noninvasive and rapid imaging technique, but it is primarily useful for kidney stones.
These diagnostic methods help identify the presence, size, and composition of kidney stones, guiding appropriate treatment.
The treatment of kidney stones depends on their size and location. Here are the options:
Observation: Smaller kidney stones (<4mm) may pass through your urinary system when you urinate without needing treatment.
Medications: Your urologist may prescribe medications to manage symptoms, such as pain relievers like paracetamol or IV narcotics for severe pain. Antiemetics like ondansetron can help with nausea and vomiting. Medications like tamsulosin or nifedipine may be prescribed to relax your ureter and help the stones pass more easily.
Surgery: If your doctor determines that you need treatment based on the size and location of the stones, surgical options include:
Ureteroscopy (URSL): A ureteroscope is used to visualize and either retrieve or break up stones in the ureter. This is a minimally invasive procedure.
Shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL): High-energy shockwaves are directed at the stones to break them into smaller pieces that can be passed out of the body.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): For larger or more challenging stones, a nephroscope is inserted directly into the kidney through a small incision in the back to break up and remove the stones.
Retrograde intra renal surgery (RIRS): This procedure is used for smaller stones in the kidney and upper ureter. A flexible ureteroscope is used to fragment the stones with a laser, and a DJ stent is placed to help the stone fragments pass.
These treatments aim to relieve symptoms, remove the stones, and prevent future stone formation. The choice of treatment depends on the specific characteristics of your kidney stones and your overall health.
Kidney stones can be painful and debilitating, but you can take steps to prevent them. Follow these tips to reduce your risk:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your urine diluted and prevent the formation of stones.
Eat a balanced diet: Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet, and limit foods high in oxalates, such as spinach and nuts.
Monitor your salt intake: Too much salt can increase calcium in your urine, which can lead to stone formation. Limit your salt intake.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can increase your risk of developing kidney stones. Aim for a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
Limit animal protein: Diets high in animal proteins, such as meat and eggs, can increase your risk of kidney stones. Try to limit your intake.
By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of developing kidney stones and enjoy better kidney health.
Learn More About Kidney StonesUrologists / urology doctors / kidney specialists specialize in diagnosis and treatment kidney stones. you will be explained by the urologist after relavent investigations regarding the size and location of stone and safe and best treatment possible based on the medical condition of the patient.
if you hav a dull aching pain in the back which is persistant and present over some time get it evaluated for presence of kidney stones. or if you experience severe back pain on one side radiating to front with associated burnining micturition /vomitings – you might have a possibility of having a obstructed urteric stone – meet your doctor immeditly.
Some of the possible complications of untreated kidney stones include –
Yes, kidney stones are often associated with nausea, vomiting, and pain in the lower back.
URSL cost - Ureteroscopic liyhotripsy (Ureteric stones) – 60000 - 80,000/- RIRS cost- Retrograde intra renal; surgery ( kidney stones <1 cm )- 90000 to 1.05000 PCNL cost-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (kidney stones >1 cm) - 80000 - 1,20000
The best kidney stone treatment can only be possible with a urologist trained with more than 10 years trained at his best for treatment of all types of kidney stones with advanced technology (lasers). Best kidney stone treatment depemds on size and location of thestone and also patient condition at that poinyt of time.
1. stay hydrated
2. have low intake of vegetables rich in oxalates(tomato/spinach)
3. avod high animal protein intake
4. donot neglect any symptoms related to kidney stone
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