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How to remove kidneys stones by laser?
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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #11949
45 days ago
92

How to remove kidneys stones by laser? - #11949

Rashi

I am really worried about these kidney stones I’ve been dealing with lately. They’ve caused me sooo much pain and discomfort. Just last week, I woke up in the middle of the night, doubled over in agony. My doctor mentioned something about laser treatments and said he can show me how to remove kidneys stones by laser. Honestly, I don't know much about it! I mean, laser sounds kinda sci-fi cool but also a bit scary, right? I've done some research, and I read that this laser procedure can zap the stones into smaller pieces so they can be passed more easily, but I’m still pretty confused. How to remove kidneys stones by laser safely? Are there any side effects I should know about? I had some imaging done, and the stones are about 5mm each in size - my doctor thinks it’s possible to treat them this way, but still... Is this a common procedure? What should I expect during recovery after learning how to remove kidneys stones by laser? I know everyone’s different, but realistically, how long will it take till I feel normal again? Ugh, so much to think about. Just feel overwhelmed, ya know? Looking for some real experiences or advice on this, please!

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Doctors’ responses

Your concerns about laser treatment for kidney stones, known scientifically as laser lithotripsy, are quite understandable. Laser lithotripsy is indeed a common and well-established procedure to break down kidney stones into smaller, manageable fragments that can be more easily passed naturally through urination. Typically, this non-invasive method is used when the stones are too large to pass on their own or cause too much discomfort, like your 5mm stones. During the procedure, a thin tube called a ureteroscope is inserted into the urinary tract, allowing the doctor to reach the stone. A laser fiber is then used to fragment the stone. It might sound high-tech, but it’s generally considered safe and effective. In terms of side effects, some patients experience slight discomfort, bruising, or blood in the urine. Generally, these are temporary. Pain relief medication typically manages any soreness effectively. Infections are less common but can occur, and antibiotics are usually prescribed to mitigate this risk. Concerning recovery, many people find they return to normal activities relatively soon, often within a few days, but it’s important to listen to your doctor’s advice tailored to your case. Adequate hydration and follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure full recovery and to monitor any residual stone fragments. Considering the individual variation, a week to fully bounce back is a practical timeframe. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to bring these up with your doctor. They can provide detailed explanations based on your clinical specifics.

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