Kidney Stone Removal Methods in Delhi

by Dr Rahul MD

Mineral deposits of calcium and waste products like uric acid in the kidney solidify to form stones. There are several methods of kidney stone removal, and surgery is required for the large stones. Nowadays, certain non-invasive or minimally invasive methods are also being used. Kidney stone treatment in Delhi is provided in most hospitals as it is a very common urological problem.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Surgical procedures are only necessary when the stones are significantly large. Due to large kidney stones, patients will feel severe pain below the ribs, on the side, and back of the body. This pain can also spread to the lower abdomen and groin. If these large stones are kept untreated, they can block the flow of urine and cause urinary tract infections.

Different Types of Kidney Stone Removal Procedures

Kidney stone treatment depends upon the size of the stones and the health conditions of the patients.

Hospitals offer four kinds of kidney stone treatment in Delhi, and they have been discussed below.

Open surgery: If the stones are very large and are causing complications like blockage of urine flow or acute pain, then open surgery is done. A stent is placed to drain urine, and the stones are removed completely. It takes some time (around six weeks) to heal after this procedure fully.
Shock wave lithotripsy: In this method, electromagnetic sound waves of high frequency are used to fragment kidney stones. The stones turn to dust-like particles and can be ejected through urine. Shock wave lithotripsy is usually used when the kidney stones are small or medium-sized.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy or percutaneous nephrolithotripsy: A minimal incision is made in the back to insert a nephroscope and other surgical instruments. When the stones can be removed through a tube, the procedure is known as percutaneous nephrolithotomy. If the stones have to be fragmented first, the procedure is known as percutaneous nephrolithotripsy.
Ureteroscopy: A scope is inserted into the ureter to find kidney stones. A small stone in the ureter can be easily removed. But ureteroscopy can only be used if the patient does not have any prior health conditions related to the urinary tract.

Open surgery is not suitable for all patients. For patients who cannot undergo operations, laser treatments, or surgical methods involving little to no invasive procedures are used. Therefore, a patient's medical history should be reviewed before choosing a kidney stone treatment.