Kidney stones are solid deposits that form in the kidneys from minerals and salts found in urine. They can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball and can cause intense pain, discomfort, and other urinary symptoms. While smaller kidney stones may pass naturally through urine, larger stones often require medical intervention to prevent complications.
Laser treatment, also known as “lithotripsy,” is a cutting-edge medical procedure designed to break down kidney stones into smaller fragments using focused laser energy. This approach helps to alleviate pain, relieve urinary obstruction, and prevent further complications, such as kidney damage or urinary tract infections. It offers several advantages over traditional open surgeries. For example:
- Minimally Invasive: Laser treatment requires only small incisions or sometimes no incisions at all, reducing the risk of complications and promoting faster recovery.
- Precision: Laser technology allows for precise targeting of the kidney stone, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
- Reduced Pain: This advanced procedure causes less pain. So, the requirement for anesthesia during the procedure and painkillers after the procedure is minimal.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: If the procedure goes without complications, patients can return home on the same day or after a brief overnight stay.
Pre-Operative Care:
To determine whether laser treatment will be a viable option to eliminate your kidney stones, the urologist will review your medical history and suggest imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans. This will help map the size, location, and number of kidney stones. Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or allergies you have so that he can plan a good management plan.
Laser Treatment Procedure:
You may need to fast for a certain period before the procedure, especially if general anesthesia will be administered. The anesthesia will ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Your surgeon will start the procedure by inserting a thin laser fiber through the urinary tract and guiding it to the location of the kidney stone using imaging guidance.
The laser is then used to emit focused energy pulses, which break the kidney stone into smaller pieces.
Once the stone is fragmented, the smaller pieces can either be naturally passed through urine or removed using additional instruments.
After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for a short period and then you will be discharged after an overnight stay as long as there are no complications.
Post-Operative Care:
Dr. Priyank Salecha, the head urologist at AndroPus Clinic explains, “When it comes to laser treatment for removing kidney stones, the post-surgery care is just as important as the procedure itself to ensure complete elimination of the stones.” Here’s what you are strongly advised to do.
- Take complete rest for 2-3 days avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting.
- Drink plenty of water. It helps flush out the stone fragments and reduces the risk of new stone formation.
- Take the prescribed pain medications to manage any discomfort that you might feel while passing urine as the tiny fragments pass through the urinary tract as well.
- Similarly, take your antibiotics religiously to prevent any post-operative infection.
- Keep track of your urine output and color. If you notice any significant changes in frequency, color, or pain while urinating report it to the doctor immediately.
- You may need to avoid certain foods that can contribute to stone formation, such as high-oxalate foods (spinach, chocolate, nuts) and excessive sodium.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and address any concerns.
Laser treatment can be a very effective way of eliminating kidney stones and restoring good quality of life. Consult our experts at AndroPlus Clinic to get tailored care for all your andrology and urology concerns.
