Freedom from the pain of kidney stones

Kidney stones are one of the most common and painful urological disorders. A kidney stone is a hard mass that forms from crystals in the urine. Even a tiny stone in our system can be excruciatingly painful.

A 27-year-old sales professional from Faridabad, said, “I used to get a sharp pain in the lower back extending till the groin for many days. Finding a comfortable position to sleep or sit was becoming difficult. I noticed blood in my urine and rushed to QRG Health City where doctors after some tests confirmed that I had a kidney stone.” He underwent a minor procedure and was treated successfully. He is now leading a normal pain-free life.

Dr Alok Kumar Jha, HOD, Urology, QRG Health City, Faridabad, says, “Earlier, kidney stones were removed through open surgery, requiring a large flank incision. Now, we use minimal invasive procedures which not only minimises incision size, pain, blood loss, blood transfusions, but also shortens the stay at the hospital.” The techniques used at QRG Health City has a higher success rate for clearing all stones in one setting than other techniques.”

Dr Jha says that the management of kidney stones requires understanding the symptoms. The endoscopic removal of stones has undergone enormous changes in past two decades. Endoscopes have become smaller and more durable. The availability of flexible endoscopes and optics being used is improving gradually. The new ‘Chip on Tip’ technology that we use at our hospital for removing kidney stone ensures razor-sharp vision. The energy source required for breaking down stones has also improved. Thin-as-hair Holmium laser fibres can be passed into almost any corner of the kidney through flexible endoscopes.

According to doctors, people should drink at least 3 to 4 litres of water a day (if there is no contraindication), in summer, it should be increased. Dr Jha says that the next big shift is going to be on preventive strategies for kidney stones. The first rule to prevent stones from recurring, he says, is to “keep your urine diluted by taking adequate fluids. For calcium oxalate stones, restrict sodium and avoid excess protein intake. Higher potassium citrate intake can also lower the risk of calcium stones. Patients with infective stones should try to keep their urine sterile. Recurrent stone formers should undergo metabolic evaluation.

Visit: QRG Health City, Sector 16, Faridabad, Haryana. For enquiries, call 9540022121 or email us at helpdesk@qrgmedicare.com

PHOTOS: HTCS/ISTOCK Dr Alok Kumar Jha