Kidney Stones Treatment

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), commonly known just as lithotripsy, is a technique that uses shock waves produced outside the body to hit and break up the stones so that they can pass out of the body.

 

Ureteroscopy is used when kidney stones are quite large or their location will not allow for lithotripsy. With this procedure, a small fiber-optic instrument is placed into the ureter to remove the stones.

(Click Ureteroscopy for more information.)

 

Another method that is used to treat kidney stones is tunnel surgery. With this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut in the person's back and creates a tunnel to the stone inside the kidney. The doctor then uses a special instrument to go through the tunnel, find the stone, and remove it. The technical name for this method is percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

 

Today, treatment for kidney stones has greatly improved. Therefore, major surgery is not required for the majority of people with the condition.

 

Prevention as a Kidney Stones Treatment

Once the kidney stone has been removed, your doctor will discuss how to prevent them from coming back. Treatment options can include lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.

 

 

Final Thoughts

The good news is that most kidney stones pass out of the body without any help. For people who require kidney stones treatment, several options can be tried before surgery is considered. Major surgery is usually the last resort.