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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #18597
69 days ago
130

stone laser operation - #18597

Ayush

I am feeling really confused and kinda scared about something. I went to the doctor last week because I kept having this awful pain in my side, like it was a dull ache mixed with sharp stabs sometimes. After doing some scans, they said I have kidney stones, which I honestly didn’t even know were a thing. They mentioned something about a stone laser operation being necessary to break them up. I mean, a stone laser operation? Sounds super sci-fi, right? They explained that it uses lasers to blast those stones away and relieve the pain, which seems great, but I'm still kinda nervous. How does a stone laser operation actually work? Is it super painful? I read online about people having mixed reactions post-op, some feeling better right away, while others saying they had a rough time recovering. I really hate needles, and the whole idea of being under anesthesia freaks me out! Plus, are there alternatives to a stone laser operation, like non-invasive methods or something? I’m just feeling overwhelmed and could use any info or personal experiences you guys might have about the stone laser operation. What should I expect?

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Doctors' responses

A stone laser operation, technically known as laser lithotripsy, is actually a pretty common and effective procedure for treating kidney stones. It might sound a bit sci-fi, but it’s quite precise and generally safe. Essentially, your doctor will use an endoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a camera—to navigate to the location of the stone in your kidney or urinary tract. Once there, a laser is used to break the stone into smaller pieces, which makes it easier for your body to pass them naturally in urine.

Regarding pain, the operation itself isn’t painful because it’s done under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep and won’t feel anything during the procedure. Post-operative pain varies; some people feel a bit of discomfort as the stone fragments pass, while others might experience minimal pain. Recovery can also differ. Some people might feel fine in a few days, while others might need a week or two to fully recover, depending on the size and location of the stone, as well as your personal health.

As for alternatives, depending on the size and type of stones, a doctor might consider shock wave lithotripsy, which uses sound waves to break up stones. However, laser lithotripsy tends to be more effective, especially for stones that are hard or located in difficult to reach places. Drinking plenty of water and medications like alpha-blockers can help, too, particularly for smaller stones. Discuss any fears of anesthesia with your healthcare provider—they can guide you through the process and help ease your concerns. Ultimately, your doctor will recommend the best approach based on your specific case, so make sure to have a thorough discussion about your options. If you’re worried, don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you need to, until you’re comfortable with your choices.

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