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kidney stone laser treatment
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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #13866
8 days ago
59

kidney stone laser treatment - #13866

Neil

I am at my wits end trying to figure out this whole kidney stone laser treatment thing. A few months ago, I started experiencing this awful pain, right in my lower back and side. Thought it was just a muscle strain or something, but after a trip to the ER, turns out I have kidney stones. The docs mentioned something about kidney stone laser treatment, but I really don't get it. Is this even necessary? I mean, my stones are only about 4 mm, so do I really need the kidney stone laser treatment, or can they just pass on their own? They gave me a bunch of options, but laser sounds super intimidating. One doctor said with kidney stone laser treatment, they'd break them up and I'd feel much better. But, I can't help but think about recovery time and if it’s gonna hurt a lot afterward. I just wanna know, like, how effective is kidney stone laser treatment compared to other methods? Are there people who had it and then got stones again? Ugh, I guess I’m just nervous and want to make the right choice. Any thoughts? Thanks!

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Kidney stone laser treatment, also known as laser lithotripsy, is a very effective method for breaking down kidney stones using a laser. The procedure uses a small flexible ureteroscope with a laser fiber, inserted through the urethra and into the bladder, where it reaches the ureter and kidney. The laser is then employed to fragment the stones into smaller pieces, which can then pass naturally through the urinary tract or be removed. Now, considering your situation with 4 mm stones, there is a good chance they might pass on their own without the need for surgical intervention, since stones smaller than 5 mm often can pass without major complications, though this can vary based on individual anatomy and stone location. The decision for laser treatment usually depends on factors such as how symptomatic you are, whether the stones are causing severe pain, blockage, or if you have recurrent infection or bleeding.

Laser lithotripsy tends to have a good success rate with a relatively quick recovery time compared to other, more invasive surgeries. Most people find discomfort, but manageable pain after the procedure, and you can generally return to normal activities within a few days to a week. However, there’s always a small risk of infection, bleeding, or damage to the surrounding tissues, which your healthcare provider should discuss with you. People sometimes do experience future stones, as once you’ve had a stone, you’re at increased risk for more. It’s important to tackle underlying causes by staying well-hydrated, and possibly making dietary changes, depending on the type of stones you have, and your doctor might discuss preventive strategies or medications that can be appropriate for you. Ultimately, your urologist can help determine the best course of action, balancing the discomfort and risks with non-intervention versus the benefits and risks of the procedure.

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