Kidney Stone Treatments
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Kidney Stone Treatments
Kidney stones are formed as a result of the inability of the crystals in the urine, which should be excreted without accumulating under normal conditions, not being able to be completely removed for any reason and combined, or the absence of some protective substances that prevent the formation of stones. in the urine
There are many risk factors identified in the formation of kidney stones. These;
Insufficient daily fluid intake
Some genetic diseases (especially metabolic diseases such as cystinuria, renal tubular acidosis, hyperoxaluria, and gout often accompanied by stone formation in childhood)
which cause hormone disorders such as hyperparathyroidism and hyperthyroidism and increase blood calcium levels
Dietary habits (such as a diet high in animal protein, a diet low in fiber, excessive salt consumption, etc.)
frequent urinary tract infections
Anatomical and structural disorders of the kidneys (such as narrow kidney outlet)
sedentary life
Genetic family history (The risk of stone formation is higher in those whose first-degree relatives have stones.)
Environmental factors (those living in warm climates)
Age and gender (more common in men and between the ages of 30-50).
What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
Kidney stones may not cause any complaints for years, or they may lead to very severe and severe conditions.
The most common complaint is flank pain. This pain can be mild or very severe. Another complaint is visible or microscopically detectable bleeding in the urine.
When the kidney stone falls into the urinary canal and starts to move towards the urinary bladder, the severity of the pain increases, and as it approaches the urinary bladder, the pain may spread to the groin. In this case, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, and even fever chills can be added to the pain.
How is Kidney Stone Treated?
First of all, the stone must be cleared from the kidney and/or urinary tract. Then, it is aimed to investigate the reasons for the formation of the stone and to prevent its re-occurrence.
In the treatment of stones, especially for stones smaller than 5 mm that fall into the urinary canal, medical treatment with drugs is preferred. For this purpose, in addition to some drugs that will expand the urinary channels so that the stone can pass more easily, painkillers and antibiotics are given to prevent pain and infection, and the patient is expected to drop the stone by drinking plenty of water. If the stone does not fall despite this treatment or if there is a larger stone, there are options to break the stone with extra-body shock waves (ESWL) or to remove the stone by surgery.
How is Kidney Stone Surgery Performed?
Stone surgeries have started to be performed as completely closed (endoscopically) with today’s technology.
The choice of method in stone surgery is completely planned according to the size of the stone, the location of the stone (in the kidney or urinary tract), and whether the stone is obstructed.
As endoscopic treatment methods in kidney stone surgeries;
Semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy (URS)
Flexible ureterorenoscopy (Flexible URS)
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL)
methods are available.
