English
Kidney Stone Treatment in Bhubaneswar

Comprehensive Stone Disease

Kidney Stone Treatment in Bhubaneswar

Urine contains various dissolved minerals and salts, which can lead to the formation of stones if their levels become too high. These kidney stones can start small and gradually grow larger, filling the inner cavities of the kidneys. Certain stones remain within the kidney and do not pose any issues. Some substances, such as calcium, oxalate, and phosphate that are ordinarily dissolved in urine, might become overly concentrated in certain situations and separate as crystals. When these crystals clump and gather into a compact group, called a stone, it results in the formation of kidney stones. Kidney stones can occasionally pass through the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. Urine may carry the stone out of the body if it reaches ‌bladder. A stuck stone in the ureter can lead to discomfort as it obstructs the passage of urine from the kidneys. 

Comprehensive stone disease refers to a complex condition involving multiple or recurrent kidney stones, often associated with metabolic abnormalities, urinary tract infections, or anatomical issues. Kidney stone treatment in Bhubaneswar typically requires a multifaceted treatment approach, including medical management, dietary changes, and sometimes surgical intervention, to prevent stone formation and manage existing stones.

 

FAQ's

Individuals between the ages of 20 and 50 are at a higher risk of developing kidney stones. Men are more prone to kidney stones than women. Having a previous history of kidney stones increases the likelihood of developing them. Additionally, a genetic predisposition to kidney stones also contributes to the risk.

Additional risk variables consist of:

  • Dehydration 
  • Obesity 
  • A diet with elevated levels of protein, salt, or glucose
  • Hyperparathyroid disease
  • Surgery for a Gastric Bypass

Prescription drugs such as calcium-based antacids, antiseizure medications, and triamterene diuretics are used to treat inflammatory conditions of the colon and promote the absorption of calcium 
 

Signs and symptoms exhibited can vary from person to person. Common symptoms are:

  • Kidney stones typically present with sudden and severe pain that can gradually increase over several hours. The discomfort might continue or get worse. 
  • You might also experience nausea and have the urge to vomit.
  • The pain usually begins in the side or back and can spread to other areas such as the groin, bladder, urethra, or genitals, depending on where the stone is located.
  • The stone can also cause damage to the surrounding tissue, leading to visible or microscopic bleeding in the urine. Bleeding often happens because of a physical injury that the stone causes.
  • In some cases, the stone may harbour bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).

If the stone causes a blockage, emergency treatment may be necessary to decompress the kidney, as if left untreated for 4-6 weeks, a blockage can lead to permanent damage to the kidney.
 

To diagnose kidney stones, medical professionals look at your medical history, perform a physical examination, and order lab and imaging tests such as: 

  • Laboratory procedures, such as blood and urine tests, aid in diagnosing kidney stones.
  • A urinalysis looks for blood in the urine, bacteria that could indicate a urinary tract infection, white blood cells, and minerals that could indicate the formation of stones.
  • Blood testing detects elevated mineral levels that predispose to the formation of kidney stones.
  • These tests help doctors diagnose kidney stones and determine the best course of therapy.
  • Imaging studies, such as CT scans and abdomen X-rays, can detect kidney stones and other underlying conditions without the need for anaesthesia.
  • Low radiation levels are used in abdominal X-rays to provide images of the abdomen that indicate the location of stones in the urinary tract.
  • CT scans produce detailed images by combining computer technology and X-rays to emphasise the location, size, and possible obstructions of stones, as well as their underlying causes.
     

Treatment options include invasive treatments such as 

  • Ureteroscopy
  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
  • Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) 
  • Conservative care with fluids and pain relief

During Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy, a surgeon makes a tiny incision in the lower back to access kidney stones under the supervision of ultrasound or fluoroscopic imaging. A laser or ultrasonography is used to break up the stones, after which an internal stent or external tube is used to extract the pieces from the kidney.

When a kidney stone is larger than 2 cm, complicated, or has a diameter of more than 1 cm, this treatment is typically considered. Potential complications may include blood loss, infection, and damage to the surrounding organs. 
 

This procedure employs a small scope, similar to a flexible telescope, used to identify and treat various problems in the urinary tract. By inserting this scope into the bladder and ureter, the urologist can visually examine the ureter, locate any stones present, and extract them if necessary. In the case of stones lodged in the ureter, a wire basket is inserted through the bladder and used to retrieve the stone. This medical procedure can be done on an outpatient basis and may include inserting a stent– a tube that stays in the ureter to keep it from closing. 
 

A medical instrument called a lithotripter generates a series of shock waves to perform Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy, which is used to fragment stones in the pancreas, bile duct, or urinary system. When the X-ray enters the body, it focuses on the shock waves to break the stones into smaller pieces, making it easier to remove or for them to pass through the body.

Small stones in the ureter and kidneys will be removed through the urine. If there are large stones in the pancreatic or bile ducts, they may have to be extracted using an endoscope, a flexible tube inserted through the mouth. 
 

Kidney stones cause more than just pain, nausea, and blood in the urine. They can also lead to serious health problems, especially in the case of comprehensive stone disease, such as

  • Serious infections, such as the deadly blood infection known as septicaemia
  • The kidneys are damaged and scarred, resulting in chronic kidney failure
  • Damage to the functioning of the kidneys leads to the surgical removal of a kidney (Nephrectomy)
  • If a large kidney stone gets into the bladder and gets stuck in the urethra, it may lead to blockage of the bladder and pain due to holding in urine
     

To clean your kidneys, drink lots of water and try to pee more often. You can also drink fruit juice, ginger water, or lemon-lime soda. These drinks can help prevent ‌stones from forming. To avoid kidney stones, manage metabolic disorders, and eat less meat, salt, and foods with high levels of oxalate. If you're at risk of getting kidney stones, talk to your doctor about medicine to prevent calcium and uric acid stones. 

Regular follow-up is essential, with frequency depending on the severity of your condition. Typically, patients are monitored every few months with imaging and metabolic evaluations to prevent a recurrence.