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Kidney Stone Treatment
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones, solidified material made from chemicals in urine, can vary in size from a grain of salt to a pebble. They can cause pain in the side of the lower back, spots of blood in the urine, nausea or vomiting, and fever. However, you have the power to significantly reduce the risk of developing kidney stones by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Ensuring sufficient water intake, managing weight, and controlling salt and sugar intake are all within your control and can make a significant difference.
Kidney Stone Evaluation and Analysis
Diagnosis for kidney stones involves a range of diagnostic methods, with the first and crucial step being a detailed medical history intake. A comprehensive physical examination follows this, and imaging studies are carried out to determine the exact shape and size of the kidney stones. A high-resolution CT scan of the kidney and bladder is used to visualise the kidney stones. The kidney-ureter-bladder X-ray, also known as a KUB X-ray, is particularly useful in locating the stone and determining its size.
What to Expect with Kidney Stone Treatment
Medication Management
As a patient, you play a crucial role in your kidney stone treatment. Medication may be prescribed to reduce the acidity in the urine. However, depending on the type of kidney stone, medications include antibiotics, alpha-blockers, and diuretics. It’s crucial to consult with Dr. Osman to determine the most suitable one for your condition. However, if the kidney stone obstructs the flow of urine, you must seek immediate medical attention for surgical removal.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a medical procedure that uses powerful shockwaves to break down kidney stones within the urinary tract, pancreatic duct, or bile ducts. The kidney stones are broken up into pieces, making it easier for the fragments to pass out of the body through the urine.
Ureteroscopy
Ureteroscopy is a procedure that entails the use of a bendable scope, similar in appearance to a tiny telescope, placed within the bladder and ureter to diagnose and treat issues in the urinary tract. This specialised scope is also used to locate and safely remove kidney stones.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy is a surgical alternative for kidney stones that are too large to exit the body or when other treatments have failed. The surgery involves creating a tiny incision in the flank region, and a tube is inserted within the incision. This tube is then navigated into the kidney using X-ray imaging as a guide. The skilled surgeon then surgically resects the stone from the body. Sometimes, a lithotripter or laser breaks the stone into pieces before the surgeon can remove it.
FAQ
- What is considered the best treatment for kidney stones?
Shock wave lithotripsy, a commonly used procedure, effectively breaks the stone up into fragments, providing a reliable treatment option for kidney stones. - What are the common signs of a kidney infection?
- Pain while urinating
- Fever
- Nausea
References
National Kidney Foundation [Internet]. Kidney Stones. Accessed from: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/kidney-stones
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