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Advanced Treatment for Kidney Stones
Kidney stones (renal lithiasis, nephrolithiasis) are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Diet, excess body weight, some medical conditions, and certain supplements and medications are among the many causes of kidney stones.
97%
Success Rate
45-60 minutes
Procedure
1-2 days
Recovery
Free
Consultation
Did You Know?
Kidney stones can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to form, but a laser procedure can eliminate them in under an hour.
Common Symptoms
- Severe, sharp pain in the side and back, below the ribs
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
- Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
Major Causes
- Dehydration
- Certain diets (high protein, salt, sugar)
- Obesity
- Digestive diseases and surgery
- Family or personal history
How is Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
Non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis — the gold standard for detecting all types of kidney stones.
Ultrasound of the kidneys and urinary tract for radiation-free initial assessment.
Urine analysis to detect blood, infection, and crystal types.
Blood tests to check kidney function, calcium, uric acid, and other metabolic markers.
Types of Kidney Stones Treatment
Calcium Stones
The most common type, formed from calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, often linked to dietary habits and dehydration.
Uric Acid Stones
Form when urine is too acidic, commonly seen in patients with gout or high protein diets.
Struvite Stones
Associated with urinary tract infections; can grow rapidly and become quite large.
How the Procedure Works
Pre-operative imaging (CT scan/X-ray) is performed to map the exact size, number, and location of the stones.
The patient is placed under general or spinal anesthesia for comfort throughout the procedure.
A ureteroscope or laser fiber is guided through the urinary tract to the stone without any external incision.
The laser energy is applied to fragment the stone into tiny dust-like particles that pass naturally.
A ureteric stent may be placed temporarily to ensure smooth drainage, and the patient is discharged within 24 hours.
Traditional vs Modern Treatment
| Traditional Surgery | Modern (Laser/Laparoscopic) |
|---|---|
| Open surgery required large incisions and extended hospital stays of 5-7 days. | RIRS/URSL is performed through the natural urinary passage with zero incisions and same-day discharge. |
| High post-operative pain requiring strong analgesics for several days. | Minimal post-operative discomfort, usually managed with oral pain relievers. |
| ESWL (shockwave) may require multiple sessions and leaves stone fragments to pass. | Laser lithotripsy pulverizes stones into dust, ensuring near-complete stone clearance in a single session. |
| Traditional nephrostomy carried significant bleeding risk. | Modern laser procedures are virtually bloodless with no external wounds. |
When to See a Doctor
Consult a specialist immediately if you experience:
- Severe, colicky pain in the flank that radiates to the groin or lower abdomen.
- Blood in the urine (hematuria), even if painless.
- Fever and chills alongside urinary symptoms, which may indicate a kidney infection.
- Inability to urinate or significantly reduced urine output.
Post-Operative Care Instructions
Drink a minimum of 2.5-3 liters of water daily to flush the urinary tract and prevent new stone formation.
Follow the prescribed diet — reduce oxalate-rich foods, excess salt, and animal protein.
If a ureteric stent was placed, follow the schedule for its removal (usually 1-2 weeks post-op).
Take all prescribed medications, including antibiotics and alpha-blockers, as directed.
Attend follow-up imaging at 4-6 weeks to confirm complete stone clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kidney Stones
What is the best treatment for kidney stones?
The treatment depends on the size and location of the stone. Techniques like RIRS, URSL, and ESWL are commonly used.
Can kidney stones come back?
Yes, if proper dietary and lifestyle changes are not made. Our doctors provide a diet chart to prevent recurrence.