Kidney Stones Treatment

Kidney stones are made from crystallized materials that form rock like objects typically in the kidneys.  These rock like objects are called kidney stones.  Kidney stones can cause no symptoms at all or be associated with severe pain.  The stones may stay in the kidneys and grow or they may become dislodged from the kidneys and pass down the urinary tract.  They pass from the kidneys, down the ureter, into the bladder and eventually out the urethra.  There are four main types of kidney stones, calcium stones, sturvite stones, cytiline stones, and uric acid based stones.  The majority of kidney stones are calcium based, typically calcium oxalate. 

Western Approach to Kidney Stones

Most medical doctors will recommend waiting to see if the kidney stones will pass.  They will recommend increasing the amount of water consumption to facilitate the passing of the stones.  If the kidney stones obstruct the ureter or the urethra then surgery is required to eliminate the stones.  If the kidney stones will not pass then there are several different possible procedures.  The first thing that may be done is to install a stent (a plastic tube) to relive the pressure and then see if the stone will pass.  If the stone will still not pass then either Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL), Ureteroscopy, Percutaneous Nephrostolithotomy (PCNL), or Open Surgery may be performed.  All of the procedure require the patient to be under general anesthesia. 

Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

ESWL uses shock waves (non electrical) through a water medium into the body and directed at the stone.  This causes the stone to fragment into many pieces.  These much smaller pieces then are passed through urination.

Ureteroscopy

This is a technique that involves placing a telescope into the urethra and then the bladder and up the ureter.  A small basket like gadget is then used to trap the stone and either fragment it or remove it.  If the stone is fragmented then the stone fragments will pass through normal urination.  A stent (a plastic tub) is usually placed after the procedure to insure the ureter remains open.  A string is tied to the sent and follows the urinary tract all the way out.  The string is then taped to the penis for men or the leg for women.  This string is latter used to remove the stent.

Percutaneous Neprostolithotomy (PCNL)

PCNL involves placing a telescope directly through the skin in your back and into the kidney.  The stones may then be removed or fragmented through the telescope.  After the procedure, a kidney tube through the skin will be left in for about a week.  The patient usually stays in the hospital for one to two days.  This procedure is usually used on large stones.

Open Surgery (Incisional)

This procedure is done the least often.  Only about 1% of stones end up requiring open surgery.  It is used on very large stones or an abnormal anatomy.  Most of the time it is done through a cut at the side of the patient.