Kidney stones are solid deposits of minerals and acidic salts that stick mutually in intense urine. They can be painful when passing through the urinary area, but generally, don’t cause permanent damage. If you are facing the kidney stone related problems and having symptoms of kidney stone then visit Dr. ANURAG GUPTA Stone & Prostate Clinic who can provide Laser treatment for kidney stone.

Kidney stones are aggregation of chemical substances dissolved in urine. When the concentration level of these substances reaches a particular point, they crystallize into a permanent form and form stones. It is the thing which is very painful and unbearable so everyone required the proper diagnosis of the problem here is the urology clinic where you can get the most advanced kidney stone treatment .

The most regular symptom is harsh pain, typically in the side of the abdomen, that’s often related to nausea.

Treatment includes pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone by urine. The medical process may be necessary to eliminate or break down larger stones.

Here, learn more about how the lithotripsy method works, Risks and side effects, Limitations.

How laser kidney stone treatment is performed?

Lithotripsy  also known as Laser surgery is minimally invasive procedure and it requires no incisions. It is useful to break the stones in kidney, gallbladder, or ureter. When medications do not help, a lithotripsy method can break the stones down into small pieces so they can pass out in the urine.

A small lighted instrument (ureteroscope) is placed into urethra and bladder to locate the location of stone in ureter and kidney. Once the position of stone is known, a laser light is allowed pass with the help of laser fiber to break up your kidney stones. Then Urosurgeon removes some pieces through the urethra with a small basket, and smaller pieces can be passed later with urination. Sometimes surgeon uses a high-powered holmium laser with high-frequency emissions that break stones into a fine powder. These fine particles can be easily passed out through urine after surgery.

The surgeon inserts stent between the kidney and urethra which promotes healing and allows stone pieces to pass more easily. The stent also allows your kidney to drain during the healing process. The stent is removed after 1 week.

Duration of laser surgery is usually 1 hour but it may vary depending on the size and number of stones.

The two types of lithotripsy are:

1. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
2. flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy. ( FURSL)

Both procedures can help eliminate bothersome stones quickly and effectively. The type of treatment a doctor recommends will depend on a range of factors, such as the type of stones and the individual’s overall health.

1. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) machine

An extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy machine uses shockwaves to break down stones. During this process, a doctor will use a machine called a lithotripter to aim sound waves directly at the stones throughout the body. The sound waves break down the stones into small pieces. The waves only change stones and will not damage muscle, bone, or skin. The process takes about 1 hour and generally takes place in a hospital. In the majority of cases, a person can go home the same day. After the therapy, a person should pass the stone particles over numerous days or weeks throughout urination.

2.Flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy (FURSL)

Laser lithotripsy is sometimes abbreviated as FURSL (flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy) because doctors use an instrument called a Ureteroscope. This process involves using an endoscope to treat stones in the ureter. An endoscope is a flexible tube with a light and camera that helps a surgeon see inside an organ or body cavity. The surgeon can see the stones using the endoscope and uses a laser to break down stones. The method takes about 30 minutes, and nearly all people can go home the same day. The broken stone remains should pass simply through urine in the days and weeks following the process.

For FURSL, a kidney surgeon will insert a ureteroscope into the bladder and up into the ureter and kidney if necessary. They will use a laser to break down any stones they see.

Risks and side effects

• People often experience staining and tenderness after lithotripsy. A fever or chill may point to an infection, so a person should tell a surgeon.
• Heavy bleeding after lithotripsy is rare.
•  If stone fragments get stuck, there may be a blockage in the ureter. If this is the case, a doctor may execute a further process with a ureteroscope to eliminate the fragments.
•  Prolonged pain may also specify a blockage. If a person does not get released with pain medication or has harsh pain, they should see a physician.

Limitations

•  Lithotripsy therapy cannot treat big stones or hard stones. ESWL may not help a person with obesity, as the shock waves may unable to reach the stones.
• Doctors do not suggest lithotripsy method for pregnant women as they may pose a risk to the increasing fetus.
• Some stones will need more than one process and, in several cases, a doctor may require to place a stent and eliminate it once the stone fragments have passed.

Precautions after surgery?

Patient may feel small pain after surgery. Also patient may feel urge to urinate or frequent urination.

Doctor will prescribe medications like antibiotic to prevent infection, pain medication, and perhaps something to treat bladder spasms and burning with urination. Patient should follow this medication.

Also patient is advised to drink plenty of water to lubricate the stent and encourage any small stones to move out of the kidney. Also avoid high intensity workouts till the stent is removed. Doctor also advise some tips to prevent kidney stone problem in future like making changes in your diet or taking supplements or medications.