What is Laser Kidney Stone Surgery?

2018-12-26 / RG STONE HOSPITAL / Urinary / Kidney Stone

The presence of Kidney Stones in the human body can cause immense pain and discomfort. It becomes essential to get rid of the stones so that the normal activities of life continue uninterrupted. There are different procedures to get rid of the stones. If the stone is larger and cannot dispose while urination and gets stuck in the urinary tract, then surgery becomes the obvious choice.
 
There are different kinds of procedures available to treat the problem and one such treatment procedure is the Laser Kidney Stone Surgery.
 
This kind of surgery is minimally invasive in which a patient is under the effect of anaesthesia and a small lighted instrument known as the Ureteroscope is placed into the urethra and urinary bladder. This makes it easier to see the stone in the kidney and the ureter.
 
Holium laser energy is passed through the instrument to the stone, which  is then broken to pieces. A small basket is used for the removal of the stones through the urethra and some pieces can pass through the urine.
 
An advanced and more powerful energy can be employed to break the stone to dust or powder. This too shall pass through the urine.
 
To ensure that the stones are completely removed from the Kidney, a tube called the Stent is placed between the Kidney and the Urethra. The time period for the stent to remain inside is 1-4 weeks after which it is removed from the kidney. The stent also allows the kidney to drain while healing is in progress. 
 

What is Moses Effect?

This is an effect which makes fragmenting of the stone further possible through the Holium energy itself. Modulation of the pulse using the Moses effect allows efficient breakage of stone. With the use of this technique, the need to use the basket is minimized which further removes the use of Stent too.
 

Are there any complications related to the surgery?

  • Stent pain is the most common form of complaint which the patients have post surgery. The stent rubs on the inside of the bladder which causes discomfort while urinating.
  • Residual stones are found even after the surgery. Thus it is very important to have a clear idea about the procedure and the results before indulging in the surgery.
  • There may be instances of ureteral injury. 
  • Infections may develop post surgery which can be treated with medications including antibiotics.


Read :  3-4 Litres of Water Consumption Everyday May Help Remove Your Kidney Stone

Preparation for the surgery

  • Medicines like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Vitamin E, Voltaren, Vioxx, etc. should be stopped one week prior to the surgery. 
  • Urine culture tests should be conducted one week prior to the surgery and everything should be clear. Should there be any Urinary Tract Infection, then proper medications should be administered.
  • The patient has to maintain an empty stomach one night prior to the surgery.
 

Post-Operative Care

  • Pain will be experienced by the patients even after the Laser Therapy.  Men may feel a slight pain in the penis and the testicles. Medication should be enough to take care of such issues. The expert will prescribe the medications and explain the course of recovery.
  • Even burning sensation while urinating can be experienced post surgery which can be treated with the medicines.
  • Shower as normal at home.
  • Driving should be avoided for a day or two.
  • Stairs can be used.
  • Prolonged lying or sitting in one place is not advisable. Walking in between is important. 
  • Exercising and weight lifting is not allowed until the doctor prescribes the same.
  • Hydration is important. 
  • The patient may feel the urge to urinate frequently and so staying close to the bathroom is advisable.
  • Do not miss the follow-up appointment with the doctor to get a clear vision of the recovery.
  • The expert will prescribe the right time for the removal of the stent as per the recovery of the patient.
 

Can the stone re-occur?

It is quite likely that the person who has had kidney stone once in life can have it again. After the surgery, the surgeon will send the stone to the lab for examination. The composition of the stone is known through the results of the investigation. Further preventive steps will be advised by the doctor for prevention of the formation of stones. The most common suggestion under circumstances is lifestyle changes and diet alterations which should be followed by the patient.

Read : 8 Ways to Reduce Risk of Kidney Stones

Take away

The physician can give the best advice to the patient regarding the preparation for the laser kidney stone removal procedure. The patient has to take the post-operative care tips seriously so that the recovery happens as expected and within the scheduled time.

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