Kidney Stone Treatment: Non -Surgical vs. Surgical Options

Kidney stones are extremely painful and disruptive, but the good news is that treatment has come much further. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with kidney stones, it’s crucial to know what treatments are out there. This blog talks about non-surgical and surgical treatments for kidney stones so you can make informed decisions about treatment and recovery.

Understanding Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are solid deposits of mineral and salt in the kidneys. They are various sizes and travel through the urinary tract, which is extremely painful.

Common Symptoms:

• Sharp pain in the back or lower abdomen
• Hurtful urination
• Cauterization of the urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Urinating excessively

Learn more about urological disorders and treatments on our Urology Services page.

What Causes Kidney Stones

Several reasons can cause the development of kidney stones, including:

• Dehydration
• Ingestion of too much protein, sodium, or sugar
• Obesity
• Gastrointestinal disease or surgery
• Certain supplements or medication

Non-Surgical Treatments for Kidney Stones

Small stones are usually treated with non-surgical treatment that will pass independently or with the assistance of medication.

1. Increased Fluid Intake

Drinking a lot of water is the simplest and most effective treatment. Drinking a lot of water will naturally pass out the stones.

2. Pain Control

Over-the-counter or prescription pain medicines can be used to treat the discomfort as the stone passes.

3. Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET)

Physicians prescribe alpha-blockers, which can relax the muscles in your ureter, enabling stones to pass more easily.

4. Dietary Changes

Reducing salt intake, limiting animal proteins, and excluding foods high in oxalate prevents additional stone growth.

5. Observation and Monitoring

In case the stone is small and is not complicating, physicians may advise a wait-and-see plan.

Benefits of Non-Surgical Intervention:

• Less invasive
• Low cost
• Shorter recovery duration

However, not all stones can be treated non-surgically. That’s when surgery is indicated.

Surgical Treatment of Kidney Stones

When kidney stones are too large, cause blockage, or become infected, surgery is indicated.

1. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

A non-surgical procedure that uses the shock sound waves to break stones into tiny pieces which are eliminated through urine.

Pros:

• No cut is required
• Outpatient surgery

Cons:

• Will require more than one session
• Not suitable for all stone sizes and locations

2. Ureteroscopy

The stone is disintegrated or removed with a laser after passing a small scope through the bladder and urethra.

Pros:

• Suitable for mid to lower ureteral stones
• Fast recovery

Cons:

• Requires anesthesia
• Possible stent insertion

3. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

For extremely big or complex stones, a small cut is created in the back to directly take out the stone from the kidney.

Pros:

Very good at removing large stones

Cons:

• Surgical
• Hospital stay

Visit our Urology Department to learn about which procedures we offer and what might work best for you.

Choosing the Best Treatment Option

The best treatment depends on several factors:

• Stone size and position:

  Small stones may pass by themselves, but bigger ones may need surgery.

• Infection:

  Infections make non-surgical treatment potentially unsafe.

• General health:

  Individuals who have other diseases may be unable to manage certain procedures.

Questions to Ask Your Urologist

1. How large is my kidney stone?
2. What is the chance it will pass on its own?
3. What are the benefits and limitations of each type of treatment?
4. How soon do I have to be treated after the diagnosis?

Recovery and Aftercare

Regardless of the form of treatment employed, follow-up care is important to avoid recurrence.

Hints for a Smooth Recovery:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink minimum 2-3 liters of water daily.
2. Follow Prescribed Diet: Your doctor might suggest avoiding salt and protein intake.
3. Follow Medication as Directed: Painkillers, antibiotics, or medications to prevent stone formation.
4. Watch for Complications: Let your doctor know if you experience fever, severe pain, or difficulty urinating.

Need to make a follow-up or visit a urologist? Visit our Contact Page.

Preventing Kidney Stones

Once you have had a kidney stone, you are at increased risk of developing another. But there are steps you can take to prevent them:

• Drink More Fluids: Water will thin out substances that will prevent stones from forming.
• Adjust Your Diet: Cut down on sodium, animal protein, and oxalate foods like spinach and nuts.
• Watch Calcium Use: Don’t overdo it, but don’t exclude it either.
• Healthy Weight: Obesity is a risk factor for kidney stones.
• Regular Checkups: Regular checkups can detect stones early before they become symptomatic.

Learn more preventive care tips at Care and Cure Hospital.

FAQ ❓ – Kidney Stone Treatment: Non-Surgical vs. Surgical

1. What are the non-surgical treatments for kidney stones?
   

   Small stones (usually under 5 mm) can often pass naturally with enough water, rest, and medication. Doctors may give painkillers, alpha-blockers, or diuretics to help the stone move out faster. This is called medical expulsive therapy and works best for small, uncomplicated stones.

2. When does a kidney stone need surgery?
   

   Surgery may be needed if the stone is:

• Too large to pass (over 6 mm)
• Causing severe pain or infection
• Blocking urine flow
• Not passing after 3–4 weeks
  In such cases, surgical options like laser treatment or shockwave therapy are recommended.

3. What are the main surgical options for kidney stones?
   

   There are three common methods:

1. ESWL (Shockwave Therapy): Non-invasive; uses sound waves to break stones.
2. URS (Ureteroscopy with laser): A thin tube is used to find and break stones with a laser.
3. PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): For large stones; involves a small incision in the back.

4. Is surgery for kidney stones painful?
   

   Modern surgical treatments are mostly minimally invasive and done under anesthesia. Patients feel little to no pain during surgery. Recovery is usually fast — you may go home the same or next day. Pain after the procedure is manageable with medicine.

5. How do I know which treatment is right for me?
   

   Your doctor will suggest treatment based on:

• Stone size and location
• Your pain level
• Urinary blockage
• Infection risk
  In general, small stones = non-surgical; larger or stubborn stones = surgical. Imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans help make the best decision.

Conclusion: Informed Decision Making

Kidney stones are a common but treatable illness. Knowing the choices of non-surgical and surgical options places you in control to make the most informed decisions possible based on your personal health needs. From diet change to cutting-edge surgery, many options are available.

With a diagnosis of kidney stones, don’t wait. Turn to the experienced urology team at Care and Cure Hospital for expert guidance and treatment personally tailored for you.

 

Step into relief – Call us today.