Kidney Stone Surgery - Types Of Kidney Stones

Another name for kidney stones is calculus, or calculi (singular). Renal calculi are kidney stones when they are found there. A urethral calculus is a stone that develops in the ureter, the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder. Typically, passing a stone is extremely painful. Many people, however, are able to pass stones with simply a muscle discomfort in the back, and they might not realise this until the stone pops out.

What are the Causes of Kidney Stones?

Although the precise origins of kidney stone formation are not fully understood, the majority of reliable sources hold that stones are the result of mineral crystallisation and supersaturation in urine. Stone formation is likely influenced by genetics, environment, age, sex, urinary infections, food, and metabolic disorders. The main factors are as follows:

1. Inadequate urinary drainage,
2. Dehydration and lack of sufficient fluid ingestion,
3. Foreign bodies in the urinary tract,
4. Diet with excess oxalates, calcium, and vitamin abnormalities, e.g., Vitamin A deficiencies, Vitamin D excess, 
5. urinary infections,
6. metabolic disorders, such as intestinal dysfunction, gout, cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism, and
7. the use of drugs that raise uric acid levels, such as diuretics.

What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stone?

Until a kidney stone enters the ureter, the tube that connects the kidney and bladder, it is possible that no indications or symptoms will appear. These symptoms and indicators could then appear:

1. Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs
2. Pain that spreads to the lower abdomen and groin
3. Pain on urination
4. Pink, red or brown urine
5. Nausea and vomiting
6. Persistent urge to urinate
7. Fever and chills if an infection is present

What is the Success Rate of Kidney Stone Surgery in India?

Depending on the location of the stone, the technique, and the skill of the surgeon, kidney stone surgery has a success rate of 50 to 90%. Surgery for kidney stones has a very high success rate for completely removing the stone. However, it's also crucial to remember that, at the moment, less than 2% of people who suffer with kidney stones have surgery.

What are the Types of Kidney Stone Surgery Procedure?

1. Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL): ESWL works by using externally generated, non-electrical shock waves that pass through the body's tissues and skin before striking the hard stones. The stones are passed and turn into sand. Patients are either placed on a water cushion machine or in a tub of warm, filtered water for this technique, which transmits the non-electric shockwaves.
2. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL): When the stone is particularly large or in a place that does not allow for the effective use of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy is frequently employed (ESWL). In this technique, the surgeon constructs a tunnel directly into the kidney through a small incision in the back. The stone is found and removed using a device known as a nephroscope. Large stones might need to be broken into smaller pieces for removal using an energy probe (ultrasonic or electrohydraulic).
3. Ureteroscopic Stone Removal: A tiny fiberoptic instrument called a ureteroscope is inserted via the urethra and bladder into the ureter to remove stones using ureteroscopic methods. The surgeon then finds the stone and uses a cage-like device to extract it or a special tool that emits a kind of shockwave to break it. After treatment, a tiny tube (or stent) may be left in the ureter for a few days to aid in the healing of the ureter's lining.
4. Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL): ESWL works by using externally generated, non-electrical shock waves that pass through the body's tissues and skin before striking the hard stones. The stones are passed and turn into sand. Patients are either placed on a water cushion machine or in a tub of warm, filtered water for this technique, which transmits the non-electric shockwaves.

How is the Recovery after Kidney Stone Surgery?

1. Unless the stone created an infection, healing is very quick if the stone passes spontaneously. Recovery from surgery can last up to a week. When open surgery was the only option in the past, recovery frequently required several weeks.
2. If the surgeon implanted a stent in one of your ureter tubes during surgery, you will need to return in about a week to have it removed. Usually, this operation takes place right there in the doctor's office.
3. Drink plenty of fluids after your surgery to keep your kidneys healthy; most medical professionals advise 14 cups daily. Make water your go-to beverage. Lemonade (made from lemon juice or lemon concentrate) can also lessen the likelihood of developing stones in the future.
4. Consult your doctor about any dietary adjustments you might want to make; he or she might advise you to eat less sodium and protein. Additionally, you might need to reduce the amount of dairy items in your diet since too much calcium might cause stones. You may be advised to cut back on your intake of almonds, strawberries, beets, chocolate, and spinach because these foods contain oxalate, a chemical that can cause kidney stones.

What are the Benefits of Kidney Stone Surgery?

The benefits of Kidney stone surgery is that patient get relieved from

1. Lower abdominal Pain
2. Pain during Urination
3. Other Painful Conditions related to Kidney Stone
4. Hematuria (blood in the urine)
5. Possible infection
6. Possible fever