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Kidney stones are a prevalent and distressing condition affecting about 12% of the globe's population at some time in their lives.1 For the last decade, such cases have increased significantly in India. These stones cause major discomfort, urinary tract infections, and other complications unless and until they are treated successfully. Laser treatment has successfully been shown to dissolve these kidney stones and prevent subsequent recurrences, offering hope to countless sufferers.
Synopsis
An Understanding of Kidney Stones and Laser Treatment
Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are solid mineral and salt formations in the kidneys, ranging in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. The four most common types are calcium, uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones. Kidney stones can be caused by dehydration, genetic predisposition, and the dietary intake of certain minerals. Kidney stone symptoms include sharp pain on one side, pain during urination, and pink- or red-coloured urine due to the presence of blood.
Laser Therapy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin, flexible tube fitted with a camera and laser fibre is used. This tube passes through the urethra to reach the kidney stone and breaks it into tiny fragments. The laser disintegrates the stones into pieces small enough to pass through the urine or be retrieved by the surgeon.
The Need for Early Laser Therapy
Prompt Laser Therapy is essential for managing kidney stones effectively. Here's why early treatment is necessary:
Prevention of Infections
Early laser treatment clears obstructions in the urinary tract, reducing the risk of severe urinary tract infections (UTIs) that can spread to the kidneys. Maintaining a clear urinary tract decreases the likelihood of infection recurrence.
Avoiding Kidney Damage
The intervention of laser therapy prevents the stones from damaging the sensitive filtering components of the kidney, preventing chronic kidney disease and potential complications. It helps safeguard the kidneys in the long term.
Mitigation of Severe Pain
Kidney stones with large diameters cause extreme pain by obstructing the urinary channel. Early treatment with the laser reduces the agonies and enhances patient quality of life by promptly relieving pains.
Prevention of Stone Growth
Early laser treatment is necessary to treat kidney stones effectively. Early treatment prevents the stones from growing larger, which may worsen blockages and lead to complications such as hydronephrosis or renal failure. Laser treatment at an early stage can avoid more invasive surgical interventions.
Laser Lithotripsy for Kidney Stone Dissolution
Laser Lithotripsy is a medical procedure in which the kidney stones are fragmented into smaller pieces that are easy to pass along the urinary tract. The method applies sound waves or laser energy in targeting and breaking down the stones. The most advanced is Laser Lithotripsy, where the laser fibre emits high-energy pulses directly at the stones to break them into tiny, passable pieces.
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Minimally Invasive: It requires no cuts or incisions, thus having fewer possibilities of infections and complications due to the open surgery.
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Efficient Stone Breakup: This leads to the break-up of stones into pieces that can easily be passed through the urinary system, reducing the possibility of blockage.
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Lowered post-procedure pain: Quick recovery time compared to the traditional surgery, making the patients return to their routine sooner.
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High Success Rates: It offers effective solutions for all sizes and kinds of stones with high success rates and low chances of recurrence.
Evaluating Lithotripsy's Advantages Over Traditional Methods
Minimally Invasive Nature: Lithotripsy is usually devoid of any cuts or incisions, using sound waves or laser energy to dissolve the stones. Traditional surgery uses cuts, increases risks, and increases recovery time.
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Targeted treatment: Lithotripsy targets stones causing minimal damage to surrounding tissues, thus preserving kidney function. Surgical techniques involve considerable tissue manipulation that can impair the functioning of organs and tissues nearby.
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Recovery Period: Patients are usually back on their feet within a few days. Surgery recovery requires weeks, thus significant time off work and daily activities.
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Risk of Infection: Lithotripsy minimises the risk of infection since there are no surgical incisions, unlike traditional surgery, which has a high risk of postoperative infections due to wounds.
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Patient Comfort: Lithotripsy is associated with less pain during and after the procedure, making it more comfortable for patients. Surgical procedures are more painful and require stronger pain management post-operation.
Sustaining Stone-Free Kidneys After Laser Lithotripsy
Preventing the recurrence of stones after laser therapy requires healthy habits, such as drinking plenty of water throughout the day to dilute urine, which prevents new stones. Dietary changes may be necessary based on the types of stones previously developed, usually reducing sodium or avoiding foods high in oxalate. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor and consider preventive medications if needed. These steps will help reduce the chance of kidney stone recurrence.
Conclusion
Laser Treatment for kidney stones is a minimally invasive procedure, very effective in dissolving the stones and preventing further occurrence. This advanced technology has made the process safe and efficient for patients. Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, offers state-of-the-art laser treatment with comprehensive care and excellent results. If you suspect that you have a kidney stone, consult with our doctors immediately. Our early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications and ensure that you remain stone-free and healthy.
FAQ's
Laser Lithotripsy is minimally invasive and generally doesn't have much impact on your kidney function. As with any medical procedure, there are risks, so it's best to see your doctor for personalised advice. Regular follow-up appointments can help ensure your kidney health is monitored.
Of course, this means you could have it done again should the kidney stones return. It is indeed a fairly common and effective treatment when the case is recurrent. This would be best ascertained through a specific discussion with your doctor about your condition.
Yes, most probably, post-procedure follow-up visits are required to monitor your recovery for the passage of all stone fragments. These follow-ups are important to observe possible complications and discuss prevention measures.
Laser Lithotripsy is usually over 90% successful. Success varies based on the size, location, and composition of the stones. Your physician can provide a better perspective regarding your case.
You can schedule an appointment by calling the hospital directly or through their website. Here's the contact information for Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar:
Visit: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/specialities/urology/
Contact no: 18001025555
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