Kidney stones do not pose an immediate danger to life, but are one of the most unpleasant diseases that a person can experience. Unfortunately, this is a fairly common disease. However, there are several treatments that can remove kidney stones and make them come out quickly and easily.
Some substances contained in urine are able to form crystals deposited in the kidneys and ureters. Gradually, they accumulate and form stones, which then bring numerous troubles to the person.
Removal of kidney stones: conservative treatment
One way is cleansing the kidneys. Drinking large amounts of water (from 2 to 3 liters per day) contributes to the formation of a sufficient volume of urine that can push the stone through the urinary tract and out of the body. At the same time, painkillers can be taken to make the process somewhat less painful. Physical activity along with the intake of large amounts of water will also help to remove the stone, although pain can erase all efforts.
Lithotripsy
Ultrasound crushing of kidney stones (lithotripsy) is the most common procedure for removing stones that are too large to leave the body on their own. It does not require surgical intervention: instead, a special device sends ultrasonic waves to the abdominal cavity, where they break kidney stones into small enough parts that can come out with urine. However, this method also has side effects - such as abdominal pain and blood in the urine. Lithotripsy is performed on an outpatient basis. Often more than one session is required to achieve a positive effect and the removal of kidney stones has been successful.
Urethroscopic stone removal
Sometimes kidney stones get stuck in the ureter. In this case, urethroscopic removal of kidney stones is necessary. The process does not require surgical intervention. Instead, the doctor uses a urethroscope to remove stones through the urethra.
Fortunately, most stones can be treated without surgery, which can be recommended if the stones are too large, cause constant pain and block the flow of urine, and damage kidney tissue. In addition, surgery is usually indicated in cases where treatment with other methods is not possible.
Nephrolithotomy
If kidney stones are too large or sound waves cannot reach them, the surgeon can perform a nephrolithotomy to remove the stone. The surgeon makes a small incision on his back and, using an instrument called a nephroscope, enters the kidneys and removes a stone. Before the operation, you may have to crush the stones with ultrasound. After nephrolithotomy, patients should remain in the hospital for several days, but the procedure has one advantage: the patient does not experience pain, because everything happens under general anesthesia.
Pyelolithotomy
The operation involves opening the affected area and removing stone (stones). It is carried out under general anesthesia. The incision is made parallel to the costal arch. The doctor removes the stone with forceps, after which the kidney or ureter is sutured with self-absorbable material.