Stone Surgery

Stone surgery, also known as kidney stone removal, is performed to remove kidney stones that are too large to pass naturally or cause significant pain or complications. There are several surgical methods, including extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which uses sound waves to break the stones into smaller pieces, ureteroscopy, where a thin scope is inserted to remove or break up the stone, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), which involves a small incision to remove larger stones directly from the kidney. Recovery depends on the procedure used, but patients typically resume normal activities within a few days to weeks.

Kidney: The most common symptom of kidney stones is severe pain in the back and side, often radiating to the lower abdomen and groin. This pain can come in waves and may be accompanied by:

• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent urination
• Urgent need to urinate
• Painful urination

 

Gall Bladder: 

• Right upper abdominal pain
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Fever and Chills
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

The treatment approach for kidney stones depends on factors such as the size, type, and location of the stone, as well as the severity of symptoms.   

• Watchful waiting: For small stones, observation may be recommended, as they may pass spontaneously.   
• Medications: Medications can be prescribed to help pass the stone or to manage pain.   
• Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL): This non-invasive procedure uses high-energy sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces that can be passed more easily.   
• Ureteroscopy: A thin, flexible scope is inserted through the urethra to reach the stone, which can then be removed or broken up using lasers. Laser kidney stone treatment is often performed during ureteroscopy.   
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This minimally invasive procedure involves creating a small incision in the back to access and remove larger stones directly from the kidney.