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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #18126
73 days ago
169

kidney stone removal procedure - #18126

Rhea

I am really worried about my health lately. I started experiencing this intense pain in my side about a month ago. I thought maybe it was just something minor, but then the pain got worse and I ended up in the ER last week. They told me it was a kidney stone and that I'd need a kidney stone removal procedure! I was in disbelief as I’ve heard the stories about how painful these things can be. They did some tests and confirmed it but didn’t say much about the kidney stone removal procedure itself. I’m just trying to grasp what to expect! How do they actually do this kidney stone removal procedure? Is it like surgery or something less invasive? I heard there are a few ways to do it like shock wave lithotripsy or something. What if the stones are stuck, like how can they remove them? The doctor mentioned something about it being outpatient, but I can’t figure out if that means it’s an easy recovery or not. Has anyone else had a kidney stone removal procedure? How was your experience? The anticipation of going through with the procedure is kind of overwhelming, and I’m looking for some advice!

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Doctors' responses

Kidney stone removal typically depends on the size and location of the stone. When you’ve been advised about the need for such a procedure, there are a few different methods that may be considered, each with varying degrees of invasiveness. Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is commonly used for stones located in the kidney or upper ureter. SWL uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces, allowing them to pass more easily through your urinary tract. It’s usually an outpatient procedure, which means you go home on the same day. Typically, recovery is relatively quick, though you might experience discomfort as the fragments pass. Another option is ureteroscopy; this involves passing a thin, tube-like instrument with a camera through the urinary tract to either remove the stone directly or break it into fragments using a laser. It’s also usually done on an outpatient basis. If stones are larger or stuck, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) might be done. This is more invasive, involving small incisions through the back to remove the stones directly from the kidney. Recovery can take a bit longer with this option, potentially requiring a short hospital stay. The choice between these procedures depends on factors like the stone’s size, your overall health, and any associated risks. It’s crucial to discuss with your urologist to understand the best approach for your specific case. Of course, seek care immediately if you experience severe pain, fever, or difficulty urinating, as these can be signs of infection or other complications. While each procedure has its down times, medical advancements mean most kidney stone treatments today are completed with less discomfort and faster recovery times compared to the past.

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