Best Hospital in Thane - Horizon Prime Hospital

Lithotripsy, Advanced Minimally Invasive Procedure For Removal Of Kidney Stones Is A Game Changer

India has a high prevalence of kidney stones. Today, kidney stone problems affect one in 10 men and one in 35 women. Kidney stones are a common health concern that can significantly impact your quality of life. These hard deposits form in your kidneys and can cause severe pain, urinary issues, and even lead to more serious kidney problems if not addressed. Removing kidney stones not only alleviates pain but also prevents further complications. Kidney stones are solid masses made of crystals, formed from the salts in urine. They are sometimes called renal calculi. 

Kidney stones can block the flow of urine and cause infection, kidney damage or even kidney failure. They can vary in size and location. Kidney stones can block the flow of urine, which can then cause damage to your kidneys and sometimes kidney disease. Stones increase your chance of urinary and kidney infection and can result in germs spreading into your blood stream.

They originate in your kidneys but can develop anywhere along your urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. There are several types of kidney stones, which include calcium stones, uric acid stones, struvite stones, and cystine stones, each with their own causes and effects.

Kidney stones can be excruciatingly painful and disrupt daily life. Renal stones are common and can lead to renal failure. Recurrence is frequent, but lifestyle changes, including diet and hydration, can help prevent it. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have introduced less invasive methods of treatment, such as kidney stone laser treatment.

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Kidney stone laser treatment, also known as lithotripsy, is a minimally invasive procedure used to break down kidney stones into smaller fragments, allowing them to pass more easily through the urinary tract. This treatment option is particularly beneficial for individuals with large or stubborn stones that cannot be passed naturally. This laser emits concentrated energy pulses, effectively breaking down the stone into smaller pieces. The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort. Once the stones have been fragmented, they can either be passed naturally through urination or removed using a tool called a ureteroscope. In some cases, a stent may be temporarily placed in the ureter to facilitate urine flow and prevent blockages as the fragments are expelled from the body.”

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya further added “This laser procedure for removal of Kidney Stones is a game-changer. The new laser technology is capable of reducing even large kidney stones to dust that can be suctioned or flushed from the body. The prevalence of kidney stones has more than doubled in the recent decades due to unhealthy lifestyle and consuming junk food for which surgery becomes the only option. These crystallized mineral deposits can cause painful blockages that often require surgical intervention. As technology has evolved in recent years, lasers have been used to break up the stones often without any incision. The urologist passes a laser-bearing, flexible scope to view the stone and fragment it. These laser fibres are as thin as three human hairs.”

Dr Ria Vaidya, CEO, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “If you have had a kidney stone, you have an increased chance of getting a second stone. Thirty to fifty per cent of people with a first kidney stone will get a second stone within five years. After five years, the risk declines. However, some people keep getting stones their whole lives. Possible causes include drinking too little water, too much or too little exercise, obesity, weight loss surgery, or eating food with too much salt or sugar. Infections and family history might be important in some people. Eating too much fructose correlates with increasing risk of developing a kidney stone.” 

Dr Vivek Jadhav, Leading Urologist and Consultant Horizon Prime Hospital said “When it comes to kidney stones, there are many misconceptions. People often think that the kidney stones occur only in elderly people. Kidney stones are a common ailment that can cause severe pain. It is common to develop stones in the kidneys, gallbladder, or ureters. Sometimes, stones are small enough to leave the body during urination without a person noticing. However, large kidney or ureter stones can cause pain and block the flow of urine. If stones do not pass, they can damage the kidneys and urinary tract. When medications do not help, a lithotripsy procedure can break the stones down into smaller pieces so that they can come out in the urine. The two main types of lithotripsy are extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and laser lithotripsy. Both procedures can help eliminate bothersome stones quickly and effectively. The type of treatment a doctor recommends will depend on a range of factors, such as the type of stones the person has and their overall health. This laser treatment is highly effective with minimal risk, offering a quick recovery and a high rate of success in removing kidney stones. Kidney stones can cause excruciating pain and even lead to serious health complications if not treated appropriately.”

Symptoms

These symptoms demand immediate medical attention to confirm the presence of kidney stones and to plan effective treatment for the removal of kidney stone.

• Intense pain on one side of your back or below your ribs. This pain often moves to the lower abdomen and groin area as the stone travels.
• Pain that fluctuates in intensity or comes in waves.
• Painful urination, which could feel sharp or burning.
• Changes in urine colour, such as pink, red, or brown urine, or cloudy urine with a foul smell.
• Frequent urination, urgent need to go, or going in small amounts.
• Nausea and vomiting, which are your body’s ways of reacting to intense pain.
• Fever and chills, indicating an infection might be present.

The Laser Surgery Process

Laser surgery specifically Laser Lithotripsy, is a modern method to safely and effectively remove kidney stones. Here is the process of removal of kidney stone:

• Diagnosis and Planning: First, your doctor will confirm the presence of kidney stones using imaging tests like a CT scan, which shows detailed images of your kidneys and urinary tract. This step is crucial for planning the surgery by determining the stone’s size and position.
• Procedure: On the day of the surgery, you will receive anaesthesia, which means you will be asleep and will not feel pain during the procedure. The doctor then inserts a thin, flexible scope through your urinary tract to reach the stone.
• Laser Fragmentation: Once the scope reaches the stone, a laser fibre is used to emit precise laser pulses to break the stone into very small pieces. This laser is very effective and does not damage surrounding tissues.
• Removal of Stone Fragments: The fragmented stone pieces are either small enough to be passed out with urine on their own, or they are removed by the surgeon using special tools through the scope.
• Recovery: The kidney stone operation usually lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the stone’s size and location. Most patients can go home the same day, although some might need to stay overnight for monitoring. You might feel slight discomfort or pain after waking up, but this is typically manageable with medications.
• Follow-up: After the procedure, drinking lots of water helps flush out the stone fragments more quickly. Your doctor will also schedule a follow-up visit to ensure all fragments are cleared and to discuss ways to prevent future stones. This laser treatment is highly effective with minimal risk, offering a quick recovery and a high rate of success in removing kidney stones.

Taking Care Post Laser Surgery Recovery

• Hydration: One of the most crucial steps post-surgery is to drink lots of water. This helps flush the urinary system and aids in passing any remaining stone fragments more easily.
• Pain Management: Some pain or discomfort after the procedure is normal. Your doctor will prescribe pain relievers to manage this. It is important to follow the dosage instructions to stay comfortable.
• Monitoring: Keep an eye on your urine. It is normal to see a small amount of blood, but this should clear up within a few days. If it does not, or if you experience intense pain, fever, or chills, contact your doctor.
• Rest: Allow your body to rest for a few days post-surgery. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities until your doctor permits you.
• Diet: Depending on the type of stones you had, your doctor might recommend specific dietary changes to prevent their recurrence.
• Limit Oxalate-Rich Foods: If you are prone to forming calcium oxalate stones, you might need to limit foods rich in oxalates, such as spinach, beets, and almonds.
• Calcium Intake: Contrary to popular belief, a normal intake of calcium can actually help prevent certain types of stones, such as calcium oxalate stones. However, it’s best to get your calcium from food rather than supplements, which have been linked to stone formation in some people.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight may increase the risk of kidney stones. Adopt a balanced diet and regular exercise routine to manage your weight effectively.
• Monitor your Kidney Health Regularly : Regular Check-Ups for urine and blood tests can help to detect any new stone formations early.

The Final Takeaway

Creating and adopting the latest technologies to improve care for patients has been a hallmark of Horizon Group of Hospitals and its team for decades now. This laser technology allows us to go after even very large kidney stones without the need to go through the kidney to remove them. With this approach, there would be no incisions and far less chance of complications such as bleeding or infection. These advances represent a further evolution in natural orifice surgery. These incisionless procedures mean urologists can perform surgery on an outpatient basis, saving patients an overnight hospital stay and speeding recovery.

Our team of experienced doctors and nurses at Horizon Prime Hospital offers one of the best Kidney Stone Treatment in Thane to help patients manage their kidney stones effectively. We’re committed to providing you with the best care and solutions to kidney stone problems, ensuring your comfort and well-being.