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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #16443
2 days ago
20

renal calculi surgery - #16443

Ranveer

I am really worried about my upcoming renal calculi surgery. I was diagnosed with kidney stones a few months ago after experiencing these intense pains in my lower back and sides. The pain was unreal, and I thought maybe it was just a muscle strain or something, but then I went for a scan and boom, they found like three stones, one already almost 7mm. My doctor suggested I go for renal calculi surgery since medication wasn’t helping much at all, and honestly, I’m scared! I mean, I've read online that renal calculi surgery can be pretty safe but I’ve also seen stories of people having complications... like bleeding or infections. Ugh, I don't know what to think! How long does the recovery actually take after renal calculi surgery? Will I be in excruciating pain afterwards too? And what about risks? Are there specific things I should prepare for? Like, I'm just feeling super anxious about it all! Anyone else been through this? How was your experience with renal calculi surgery? Did it help for good or do the stones come back?? Hope someone replies soon!

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Doctors’ responses

Renal calculi surgery, while understandably causing anxiety, is a fairly common procedure for managing kidney stones, especially when medications are unsuccessful. The choice of procedure will depend on factors like the size, type, and location of your stones. Options include non-invasive extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy, or more invasive options like percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for larger stones. Postoperative discomfort is common, though most people don’t experience severe pain. Pain management strategies will be implemented by your surgical team, often including prescribed pain meds. Bleeding and infection risks exist, but they’re generally low with modern surgical techniques. Preventive antibiotics, aseptic technique, and post-surgical care significantly reduce infection risks. Recovery time can vary; minimally invasive procedures like ESWL have shorter recovery periods, maybe a few days, whereas more invasive surgeries like PCNL might require a week or more for recovery. You might experience some discomfort as any remaining fragments pass naturally. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s post-op instructions closely, including fluid intake recommendations, pain management, and activity restrictions. As for recurrence, lifestyle and dietary modifications—hydration is key—may reduce risk of new stones. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor your condition and catch new stones early. Feel free to discuss any symptoms or concerns with your healthcare provider—open communication is key to a successful outcome.

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