Kidney stones are mineral and salt deposits that form when there’s a high concentration of these substances in the urine. They may start off as small and harmless stones but can soon grow larger, causing significant pain and discomfort.
There are various treatments used to remove kidney stones, including surgical interventions. Here’s a look at the most popular options:
Ureteroscopy
Ureteroscopy is typically performed when a kidney stone gets stuck in the bladder or the ureter. To remove it, a urologist uses a ureteroscope, a wire instrument that has a tiny camera attached to it. This is inserted into the urethra and goes all the way to the bladder, allowing the urologist to view the internal structures more clearly.
Using the ureteroscope, the urologist retrieves the kidney stone. Alternately, they may disintegrate it with a laser so that the fragments can exit easily via the urinary tract.
Lithotripsy
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is another common treatment used to remove kidney stones. As the name suggests, it uses sound waves to break up the stones, allowing them to pass through the ureter.
Because the procedure can be slightly uncomfortable, most patients are provided light anesthesia.
Tunnel Surgery
Also known as percutaneous nephrolithotomy, this procedure is usually used when the kidney stone is too large to pass through the bladder, has caused an obstruction, or the pain has become unmanageable. In this surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in your back to insert a tube directly into the kidney. They then use an ultrasound probe to disintegrate the stone, eliminating the need for you to pass any fragments.
Once the procedure is over, a urethral stent is inserted temporarily. You may be required to stay at the hospital overnight for observation.
At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we provide comprehensive urological treatments to remove kidney stones. Our specialized postop care also helps patients recover as swiftly as possible.
Additionally, we offer various pain management treatments, including back pain surgery, knee pain treatments, and other orthopedic specialty procedures.
Visit our website to learn more about our surgical hospital in Houston and find a doctor who’s right for you.