Some kidney stones often pass out on their own. If these become embedded in the urinary tract, are associated with a urinary infection, or cause severe complications, they require surgical treatment. The management and treatment of kidney stones depend on the stone’s size and exact location.
In this blog, Dr. Niren Rao, a leading urologist widely known for performing the best Kidney Stone Treatment in Delhi, has discussed the latest treatments and technologies for removing kidney stones.
Four types of minimally-invasive procedures are mainly performed at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice based on the location and size of the stone. These are as below:
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is one of the best and minimally invasive surgeries to remove kidney stones. It is often used for more than 2 cm stones and is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. During this procedure, the doctor makes a small incision less than 1 cm on the back of the patient. Afterward, a track or passageway is made into the kidney, which leads to the stone. The stone gets fragmented into smaller pieces and is removed from the kidney using a nephroscope. Ultimately, the expert urologist places a DJ stent in the kidney that gets removed after a week. A short hospital stay of 1-2 days is required for the patient undergoing this surgery.
- Mini PCNL
With the advancements in techniques, mini and ultra mini PCNL are effective treatment options for kidney stone removal. These techniques can be used to eliminate smaller stones (as small as 7-8 mm). But they need to be visible in the X-rays using probes and lasers. With this surgery, post-operative recovery is quick, blood loss is less, and the hospital stay is short. Also, patients can resume their normal routine as early as they recover.
- RIRS (Retrograde Intra Renal Surgery)
In this treatment option, a flexible ureteroscope is passed through the urinary passage, through the bladder first, and then into the kidney. With the help of a Holmium laser, the kidney stone gets fragmented into smaller pieces and is removed from the miniature basket. There is no cut given in this surgery. This is one of the best options to remove stones in difficult locations of the kidney. With this procedure, there is minimal bleeding, and patients can recover quickly.
- Uretero-renoscopy (URS)
Stones that are stuck in the ureter (a tube that is responsible for carrying urine from the kidney to the bladder) are treated using a ureteroscope which is as thin as a pen. The ureteroscope is passed through the urinary passage, and no cut is made on the skin. Once the ureteroscope reaches up to the stone, with the help of a Holmium laser or a pneumatic lithoclast, the stone gets fragmented into smaller particles. Afterward, the expert urologist removes the stone fragments using forceps. Once the procedure ends, a stent is placed in the ureter for the patient's safety. It gets removed in a week through the urinary passage.
- Holmium Laser: The Best Laser Treatment for Kidney Stone Removal
A holmium laser treatment is an effective method for removing kidney stones. A holmium laser is very precise, versatile, and has an excellent safety profile if performed by a skilled urologist. The laser can be used to eliminate kidney stones effectively. Patients with pulmonary issues with larger stones are often unsuitable candidates for PCNL but can be treated with holmium lasers. Similarly, some patients who require immediate treatment for kidney stones but are taking blood thinners may also benefit from holmium laser treatment. The benefit of these lasers is that they can retrieve small stone fragments for a complete analysis during the surgery. This helps to determine the type and composition of kidney stones.
If one has kidney stones and is looking for an effective treatment, one can trust Dr. Niren Rao, the Best Urologist in Delhi, for kidney stone removal. The leading urologist has almost two decades of experience in providing safe and effective results. For more information, visit Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice today!
