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open surgery for kidney stones
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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #13116
47 days ago
87

open surgery for kidney stones - #13116

Shanaya

I am really worried about my dad. He’s been dealing with these awful kidney stones for a while now, and after countless treatments and medications that have not worked, his doctor is finally suggesting open surgery for kidney stones. Like, what does that even involve? I mean, I’ve heard horror stories about recovery times and the pain involved. I was talking to a family friend who said her husband had open surgery for kidney stones and was in the hospital for days! My dad’s in his late 60s and has other health issues that concern me, like high blood pressure. I just don’t know if open surgery for kidney stones is the right move or if there are alternatives that could be better, y’know? He’s been through so much already, and I can't imagine him going through something as intense as open surgery for kidney stones. I’ve also read about laser treatments and other less invasive options but, honestly, is open surgery for kidney stones really necessary in some cases? What kind of recovery should we expect afterward? Any insight would be super helpful. Thanks!

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Doctors’ responses

Open surgery for kidney stones is generally considered when other less invasive treatments, like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or ureteroscopy, have been unsuccessful or aren’t possible. This surgical approach involves making an incision in the side to remove the stone directly from the kidney or ureter. Although it’s less common nowadays, it can be necessary for larger or complicated stones, especially if they pose a risk to kidney function. For someone like your dad who’s in his late 60s with high blood pressure, it’s essential that the surgical decision is weighed carefully, assessing the risks and benefits. Given his age and existing health issues, the surgical and recovery plan should be thoroughly discussed with the surgeon and the care team. Recovery might involve a hospital stay of several days to a week, allowing for monitoring and pain management. Post-operatively, he would need to follow specific guidelines to prevent complications like infection and to support a smooth recovery. His blood pressure will need to be well-controlled, not only to ensure good surgical outcomes but also to assist healing. While open surgery can be quite invasive, it can be the most direct way to address persistent stone problems, particularly if they’re sizable or causing blockages. Alternatives like percutaneous nephrolithotomy might be considered as less invasive options, so it’s definitely worth discussing all possible procedures with his healthcare provider. This will allow understanding which approach is safest and most effective given your dad’s unique situation. If open surgery is deemed necessary, a comprehensive post-surgical care plan tailored to his pre-existing conditions can greatly aid in recovery, minimize risks, and hopefully, bring about long-term relief.

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