Kidney stones are one of the most common medical conditions that people of any age suffer from. As solid masses formed due to salts or acids present in the kidney, these stones can be of any size ranging from a small grain to that of a ball. Also termed nephrolithiasis, these kidney stones are not easy to detect as the smaller ones may pass out from the urinary tract. However, the larger ones cannot pass out of the urinary tract and may impact kidney function. While you might be wondering about a reliable treatment, laser treatment for kidney stones could be a possible answer.
There are umpteen factors that may put people at an elevated risk of developing kidney stones and these factors are:
A common symptom that indicates kidney stones formation in the body is lower back pain or flank pain. While the pain might be dull or severe, the other symptoms for the same may be the inability to urinate, nausea, vomiting, the urge to urinate repetitively, or fever. One may look for a kidney stone dr near me to get checked for kidney stones in his or her body.
Blood examinations, urine tests and imaging scans are common modes to diagnose the kidney stone presence. If symptoms indicate kidney stones, the doctors suggest these tests for confirmation of the same. The signs of infection in urine, kidney function tests, x-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound may reveal the presence, size & location of kidney stones in the body.
Many doctors suggest a few medications that can help smaller stones pass down from the urinary tract and alleviate the symptoms. However, larger stones may cause infection or blockage in the urinary tract highlighting the need for an alternative treatment option instead of medications. The doctor may suggest laser surgery for kidney stones if the stones are very large and no other reliable treatment option can help.
For the removal of kidney stones, doctors and surgeons may collectively come upon a decision to perform one of the treatment procedures.
Ureteroscopy
The doctor will pass the instruments through a scope inserted in the ureter to break the stones before removing them. Smaller kidney stone pieces may also move out easily from the urinary tract.
Laparoscopic surgery
The surgeon will make a small incision for the removal of kidney stones or might also perform open surgery, if needed.
Shockwave lithotripsy
Shockwaves help to break the stones apart thereby allowing them to easily pass out of the body through the urinary tract.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
When no other procedures can help treat kidney stones, percutaneous nephrolithotomy is an option to treat stones. The surgeon will make a small incision to insert a tube into the kidney and use an ultrasound probe to remove the stones.
Laser surgery
Laser surgery is a surgical procedure for kidney stone removal that is more reliable and precise. The surgeon will insert a scope and use laser pulses to break the kidney stones into smaller parts. Laser surgery is getting much more popular these days as it is effective with minimal damage to the tissues in the surrounding area.
Prevention strategies
One can prevent the development of kidney stones in their body if he or she follows a few tips in their daily routine. Another easy way of preventing kidney stones from developing is by drinking adequate amounts of water or fluids. People who drink 3 to 4 litres of water every day are at no to minimal risk of suffering from this condition.
Limiting sodium intake
A sodium-rich diet can increase urinary calcium which may trigger the development of kidney stones in the body. However, reducing the intake of these kinds of foods may help keep BP levels in control while benefiting the kidneys. Many people who visit a kidney stone dr near me are usually suggested to limit sodium intake.
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
The intake of fresh fruits and vegetables helps keep blood pressure and sugar levels low while reducing the risk of heart ailments. These also help form urinary citrate that prevents the formation of kidney stones that might other stick together and block the urinary tract.
Sohana Hospital has an experienced team of doctors and dieticians who work together to suggest the best treatment and diet for patients with kidney stones. Further, the hospital is well-equipped with advanced equipment and the latest technology. This helps in not only the correct diagnosis of kidney stones but also in treating the patients precisely and according to the treatment plan they choose.