HOW ARE KIDNEY STONES TREATED?
Years ago kidney stones were removed by a major operation, opening up the kidney under the rib cage. Now there are much less invasive ways. “It depends on where the stone is located and the size of the stone,” says Professor Carol Pollock.
Most kidney stones will pass without needing any treatment other than pain relief and hydration – the normal flow of urine will push the stone out.
But, depending on the type of stone, you might be given the drug allopurinol, a gout medication that reduces the amount of uric acid in your body. In some cases, diuretics in the thiazide family (hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, and indapamide) can reduce the amount of calcium excreted by the kidneys and help prevent calciumbased stones.
There’s also new hope: US researchers recently found hydroxycitrate acid (HCA), a substance found in a variety of tropical plants such as Garcinia cambogia, can dissolve calcium oxalate crystals more effectively than existing medications.
When nothing causes the stones to pass, these techniques may be offered. These are the three most common types of surgical treatment. SHOCKWAVE LITHOTRIPSY Sound waves are focused on the stone from outside the body, breaking it into smaller pieces that can be passed in the urine. PROS Least invasive. Usually an outpatient procedure. CONS If the stone is large or has a very hard composition, you may need a stent. More than one operation is often needed.
URETEROSCOPY A small tube is inserted into the urinary tract and the stone is either pulled out or a laser is used to break it up. PROS Most successful method for removing small to medium stones. Often an outpatient procedure. CONS There is a slight risk of damage to the ureter. Sometimes a catheter must be left in place until the stone passes.
PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROL ITHOTRIPSY A small incision is made in the back directly into the kidney so that stones can be accessed and removed.
PROS The most successful method for removing larger stones.
CONS More invasive than the alternatives, it requires a hospital stay and longer recovery time.