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. Removing the stone paves the way for life to proceed smoothly with normal day to day routine uninterrupted. There are different procedures to get rid of the stones. If the stone is large in size and cannot removed while urination, or gets stuck in the urinary tract, then surgery is the only option left.
 
There are different kinds of surgeries available to treat kidney stone ; one such procedure is the Laser Kidney Stone Surgery.
 
A minimally invasive surgery in which an individual 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. 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. 
 
The Moses Effect 
 
An advanced and more powerful energy can be employed to break the stone to dust or powder. This too shall pass through the urine.
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.This fragmenting of the stone through the Holium energy  is known as the Moses Effect. 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.

Preparation for the surgery
  • Consumption of medicines like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Vitamin E, Voltaren, Vioxx, etc are 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.
  • Driving should be avoided for a day or two.
  • Exercising and weight lifting is not allowed until the doctor prescribes the same.
  • Prolonged lying or sitting in one place is not advisable. Walking in between is important.
  •  Stairs can be used.
  • Shower as normal at home.
  • Hydration is important. 
  • The individual may feel the urge to urinate frequently.
  • Do not miss the follow-up appointment with the doctor to get a clear vision of the recovery.
  • The healthcare expert shall decide the right time for the removal of the stent as per the recovery of the individual.

    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
 

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 the doctor shall brief the indiviuals for steps beneficial for preventing stone formation again. The most common suggestion under such circumstances are lifestyle changes and diet alterations which should be followed by the individual.

Read : 8 Ways to Reduce Risk of Kidney Stones

Take away

The expert can give the best advice to the individuals regarding the preparation for the laser kidney stone removal procedure and post operative measures. The individual has to take the post-operative care tips seriously for fast recovery.  

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