Kidney Stones

Kidney Stone Treatment in India | Surgery, Procedures and Recovery Guide

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. This short explains the common ways they are diagnosed and treated.

How kidney stones are diagnosed

• Symptoms. These may include severe pain in your side and back, pain that spreads to the lower abdomen, or blood in your urine.
• Imaging tests. A CT scan or an ultrasound is usually used to see the size and location of any stones.
• Urine and blood tests. These tests can check for infection, assess your kidney function, and look for substances that form stones.

Common treatment options

The right treatment depends on the stone's size, type, and location, as well as your symptoms.

• Observation. Very small stones may pass on their own. Drinking plenty of water can help this process.
• Lithotripsy (ESWL). This non-invasive procedure uses high-energy shock waves to break stones into smaller pieces that you can pass in your urine.
• Ureteroscopy (URS). A urologist passes a thin, flexible scope through your urinary tract to find the stone. It can then be removed or broken up with a laser.
• PCNL. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a keyhole surgery for removing large kidney stones directly from the kidney.

Recovery and prevention

• After your procedure. You may have a small tube called a stent placed temporarily in your ureter. This helps urine to drain while the area heals.
• Stone analysis. If a stone is removed, it is often sent to a laboratory. Knowing its composition can help to prevent future stones.
• Future prevention. Your specialist may recommend dietary changes or medication based on the type of stone you had.

The most suitable treatment for kidney stones depends on your individual case. A final decision is always made after a specialist has reviewed your medical reports and recent imaging.