Surgery for kidney stones is indicated in cases of stones larger than 6 mm, severe pain that does not improve with the use of medication or obstruction of the passage of urine. The type of surgery depends on the size, location of the stones and the severity of the symptoms, and can be performed with a laser, shock waves or video.
Normally, recovery from kidney stone surgery lasts up to 3 days, being longer in cases of stones larger than 2 cm, when it is necessary to make a cut to reach the kidney, and it can take up to 1 week for the person to be able to return to the kidney. work, for example.
After kidney stone surgery, the person should maintain a healthy diet and drink at least 1 liter of water per day to prevent the appearance of new kidney stones. See what your diet should be like to avoid kidney stones.
Types of surgery and recovery
The type of kidney stone surgery depends on the size and location of the kidney stone:
1. Laser surgery
Laser surgery for kidney stones, also known as urethroscopy or laser lithotripsy, is used to eliminate stones smaller than 15 mm by introducing a small tube from the urethra to the person’s kidney, where, after finding the stone , a laser is used to break the kidney stone into small pieces that can be eliminated in the urine.
Recovery from surgery: During laser surgery for kidney stones, general anesthesia is used and, therefore, it is necessary to stay in hospital for at least 1 day until you recover from the effects of anesthesia. This type of surgery does not leave any type of mark and allows the person to return to their normal activities in less than 1 week after surgery.
2. Shock wave surgery
Shock wave kidney stone surgery, also called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, is used in case of kidney stones measuring between 6 and 15 mm. This technique is done with a device that produces shock waves focused only on the stone to break it into small pieces that can be eliminated in the urine.
Recovery from surgery: Generally, the surgery is performed without the need for anesthesia and, therefore, the person can return home the same day. However, some people may experience a fever after surgery and it is recommended that they rest at home for 3 days until all pieces of stone are eliminated in the urine.
3. Video surgery
Video kidney stone surgery, known scientifically as percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, is used in cases of kidney stones measuring more than 2 cm or when the kidney has some anatomical abnormality. It is made through a small cut in the lower back, where a needle is inserted into the kidney to allow the entry of a special device, called a nephroscope, which removes the kidney stone.
Recovery from surgery: Normally, this type of surgery is performed under general anesthesia and, therefore, the patient returns home 1 to 2 days after surgery. During recovery at home, which takes about 1 week, it is recommended to avoid high-impact activities, such as running or lifting heavy objects, and to treat the surgical cut every 3 days or according to the doctor’s recommendations.
When to do it?
Kidney stone surgery is indicated in the following situations:
- Intense pain that does not improve with the use of medication;
- Urinary tract infection;
- Suspected or confirmed obstruction of the ureter or urethra;
- Kidney stone greater than 6 mm;
- Stone in the ureter greater than 10 mm;
- Hydronephrosis;
- Acute kidney injury.
Furthermore, surgery may also be indicated in cases of recurrent urinary infections related to kidney stones.
The indication for surgery must be made by the nephrologist, evaluating the health status, severity of symptoms, size and location of the stone, in order to avoid complications.
Which doctor performs kidney stone surgery?
The doctor who performs kidney stone surgery is a urologist, who is a doctor who specializes in conditions that affect the urinary system.
Taking care of your health has never been easier!
Is kidney stone surgery dangerous?
Kidney stone surgery is not dangerous, as long as it is carried out by an experienced doctor and in reference centers. However, some complications may occur as with any other type of surgery, such as infections or damage to the kidneys, ureter, urethra or bladder, for example.
Possible risks of surgery
The main risks of kidney stone surgery include kidney damage and infections. Therefore, during the first week after surgery it is important to be aware of some symptoms such as:
- Kidney colic;
- Bleeding in the urine;
- Fever above 38ºC;
- Intense pain;
- Difficulty urinating.
When the patient presents these symptoms, they should immediately go to the emergency room or return to the unit where they had surgery to undergo diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound or computed tomography, and begin appropriate treatment, avoiding worsening of the situation.
