Passing a kidney stone can be a painful experience, but you don't have to go through it alone. Once you receive a diagnosis, your urologist will discuss the best path forward for your specific situation. Fortunately, several effective treatments are available to remove kidney stones, alleviate pain, and prevent future issues. Understanding these options can help you feel more prepared and confident in your treatment plan.
Key Takeaways
- Observation: For small stones that don't cause significant symptoms, your doctor may recommend a 'watch and wait' approach, which involves drinking plenty of water to help the stone pass naturally.
- Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET): Your urologist might prescribe medications, such as alpha-blockers, to relax the ureter and make it easier for a small stone to pass on its own.
- Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): This non-invasive procedure uses high-energy sound waves to break large stones into smaller, passable fragments.
- Ureteroscopy (URS): A thin, flexible scope is inserted through the urinary tract to the stone's location, where it can be broken up with a laser or removed with a small basket.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): For very large or complex stones, this minimally invasive surgery involves making a small incision in the back to directly access and remove the stone from the kidney.
- The board-certified urologists at Prime HealthCare, PC, specialize in treating all medical and surgical conditions of the male and female urinary tract systems. Schedule an appointment to discuss your kidney stone treatment options with an expert in CT.
Understanding Your Kidney Stone Removal Options
If you've been diagnosed with a kidney stone, the first step is determining the best course of action. The size, location, and type of stone, as well as the severity of your symptoms, all play a role in your urologist's recommendation. At Prime HealthCare, PC, patients are provided with a personalized treatment plan designed for the best possible outcome.
Here are the most common kidney stone removal procedures available.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)
Shock Wave Lithotripsy is a popular non-invasive treatment for kidney stones. During this procedure, you lie on a treatment table while a machine directs high-energy sound waves through your body to the kidney stone. These shock waves act like tiny jackhammers, breaking the stone into smaller pieces without needing an incision. Once the stone is fragmented, the tiny pieces can pass through your urinary tract more easily.
SWL is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can typically go home the same day. It's most effective for stones located in the kidney or upper ureter. However, it may not be suitable for very large stones, very hard stones, or for patients with certain medical conditions.
Ureteroscopy (URS)
Ureteroscopy is another common procedure used to treat stones in the kidneys and ureters. Unlike SWL, it involves direct visualization of the stone. A urologist guides a ureteroscope—a very thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end—through the urethra and bladder up into the ureter where the stone is located.
Once the stone is found, the urologist has two main options:
- Removal with a basket: If the stone is small enough, it can be captured in a tiny, basket-like device and pulled out.
- Laser lithotripsy: For larger stones, a laser fiber is passed through the scope to break the stone into dust-like particles that can be easily flushed out of the body.
URS is highly effective and is often used for stones that are too large for SWL or located in the middle or lower ureter. It is also an outpatient procedure.
Comparing SWL and URS
| Feature | Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) | Ureteroscopy (URS) |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive (no incision) | Minimally invasive (no incision, scope inserted) |
| Best For | Stones in the kidney or upper ureter | Stones in the mid-to-lower ureter |
| Procedure | Breaks stone with external sound waves | Removes or breaks stone with internal scope and laser |
| Anesthesia | Sedation or light anesthesia | General anesthesia |
| Success Rate | Good, but may require multiple sessions | Very high, often successful in a single session |
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
When kidney stones are particularly large—often bigger than 2 centimeters—or complex, Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may be the best option. This procedure is more invasive than SWL or URS but is the gold standard for removing large stone burdens.
During PCNL, a urologist makes a small incision in your back to create a direct tunnel into the kidney. A scope is inserted through this tract, allowing the surgeon to see the stone, break it up, and suction the fragments out. PCNL requires a short hospital stay but has an excellent success rate for completely clearing large and complex stones.
Find the Right Kidney Stone Treatment for You in Hartford, CT
Living with the pain and uncertainty of kidney stones can be challenging, but you have options. The experienced urology team at Prime HealthCare, PC, is here to guide you through diagnosis and treatment, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care.
To find the right kidney stone removal option for your needs, schedule an appointment with Prime HealthCare, PC today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common procedure to remove kidney stones?
Ureteroscopy (URS) and Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) are the most common procedures for treating kidney stones. The choice between them depends on the stone's size, location, and composition. Your urologist will recommend the best option for your specific case.
Is kidney stone removal surgery painful?
You will be under anesthesia during the procedure, so you won't feel any pain. After the surgery, it's common to experience some discomfort, such as cramping or a burning sensation during urination, which can be managed with medication prescribed by your doctor.
How long does it take to recover from kidney stone removal?
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure. For non-invasive treatments like SWL, most people resume normal activities within a day or two. After a URS, recovery is also quick, usually within a few days. PCNL is more invasive and may require a week or two of limited activity for a full recovery.
Can kidney stones come back after being removed?
Yes, it is possible for new kidney stones to form after treatment. Your urologist can help you identify risk factors, such as diet and hydration, and create a prevention plan to reduce your chances of developing stones in the future.
