What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard, crystalline mineral formations that develop within the kidneys. These stones form when urine contains high levels of certain substances, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, which can clump together and crystallize. Depending on their size, kidney stones may remain within the kidneys or move into the urinary tract, where they can cause significant discomfort and complications.
Kidney stones vary in size and composition. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. While small stones may pass through the urinary tract on their own, larger stones often require medical intervention to remove.
Causes of Kidney Stones
Several factors contribute to the formation of kidney stones:
- Dehydration: One of the most common causes is dehydration, which leads to concentrated urine. When urine is overly concentrated, minerals and salts are more likely to crystallize and form stones.
- Dietary Habits: A diet high in sodium, sugar, and protein can increase the risk of kidney stones. High sodium levels increase calcium concentration in urine, while high sugar levels can raise oxalate levels.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can alter the acid levels in urine, leading to the formation of kidney stones.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism (which increases calcium levels in blood and urine), gout (which raises uric acid levels), and chronic urinary tract infections, can predispose individuals to stone formation.
- Genetic Predisposition: A family history of kidney stones increases your risk, suggesting that genetics play a role in stone formation.
Symptoms and Complications
Kidney stones may not cause noticeable symptoms until they begin to move within the kidney or pass into the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney and bladder. When this occurs, symptoms can be severe and may include:
- Intense Pain: Often described as one of the most severe pains, kidney stone pain typically begins suddenly and is felt in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin. The pain may come in waves and vary in intensity as the stone moves.
- Hematuria (Blood in Urine): Kidney stones can cause bleeding in the urinary tract, leading to pink, red, or brown urine.
- Frequent and Painful Urination: The urge to urinate frequently, often in small amounts, may indicate the stone has moved into the lower urinary tract.
- Nausea and Vomiting: The intense pain associated with kidney stones can lead to nausea and vomiting.
- Fever and Chills: These symptoms may occur if an infection is present, which requires immediate medical attention.
Complications from kidney stones can include urinary tract infections, kidney damage due to blocked urine flow, and recurrent stones if the underlying causes are not addressed.
Surgical Procedures for Kidney Stone Removal
When kidney stones are too large to pass naturally or cause severe symptoms, surgical intervention is necessary. Several advanced procedures are available, each tailored to the stone’s size, location, and patient’s overall health:
- RIRS (Retrograde Intra-Renal Surgery): RIRS is a highly advanced and minimally invasive procedure used to treat stones located in the kidney. During RIRS, a flexible ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra and bladder to reach the kidney. Once the stone is located, it is fragmented using a laser. This procedure is ideal for stones smaller than 2 cm and offers a rapid recovery with minimal discomfort.
- ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy): ESWL is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces, which can then be passed through urine. ESWL is particularly effective for stones located in the kidney and upper ureter that are smaller than 2 cm. It is an outpatient procedure with a short recovery time.
- Micro PERC (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): Micro PERC is a variation of PCNL but uses a much smaller incision and instruments. It is used to treat medium-sized stones (1-2 cm). A tiny needle puncture is made in the back to access the kidney directly, where stones are fragmented and removed. Micro PERC is less invasive than traditional PCNL, with faster recovery and minimal complications.
- PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): PCNL is the standard treatment for large or complex kidney stones. This procedure involves making a small incision in the back to insert a nephroscope directly into the kidney. The stones are then broken up and removed. PCNL is highly effective for stones larger than 2 cm or those that are resistant to other treatments.
- URS (Ureteroscopy): URS is used to treat stones in the ureter or kidney. A ureteroscope is passed through the bladder and into the ureter, where the stone is located. Once the stone is visualized, it can be fragmented with a laser or removed with a small basket. URS is a versatile procedure with a high success rate for stones in the lower urinary tract.
Rajasthan's First 150 Watt Holmium Laser: A Game-Changer in Kidney Stone Treatment
At MangalamPlus Medicity, Jaipur, we are proud to offer Rajasthan’s first 150 Watt Holmium Laser, an advance technology that significantly enhances the treatment of kidney stones. This powerful laser offers several advantages over traditional methods:
- Precision and Accuracy: The 150 Watt Holmium Laser allows for highly precise targeting of kidney stones, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. This precision reduces the risk of complications and enhances the overall safety of the procedure.
- Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional surgeries that may require large incisions, the Holmium Laser can fragment stones without the need for any cuts or punctures, making it a minimally invasive option with fewer risks.
- Minimal Bleeding: The advanced laser technology ensures that bleeding during the procedure is minimal, reducing the likelihood of post-operative complications and promoting quicker healing.
- No Visible Scarring: Patients can undergo treatment without worrying about visible scars, as the procedure involves no external incisions.
- Rapid Recovery: The non-invasive nature of the procedure means that patients can typically return to their normal activities within a short time, often the same day or within a few days.
- Efficient and Effective: The Holmium Laser is capable of treating stones of varying sizes and compositions, ensuring comprehensive treatment in a single session.
With over a decade of experience and more than 25,000 successful surgeries & Procedures, Dr. Nitin Negi and the team at MangalamPlus Medicity are at the forefront of kidney stone treatment, delivering exceptional care with the latest medical technologies.
Book Your Consultation Today
Don’t let kidney stones disrupt your life. Contact us today at MangalamPlus Medicity, Jaipur, to learn more about how the 150 Watt Holmium Laser can help you live pain-free.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 9145888224, 9649888222
- Location: MangalamPlus Medicity, Jaipur
