Removing Kidney Stones Surgery: Best Treatment Plans in India
Kidney stones are hardened masses that form from crystallized salt and minerals. For many patients, the pain becomes unbearable and chronic. When non-surgical treatments like medications or lifestyle changes fail to work, removing kidney stones surgically becomes necessary. Removing kidney stones surgery is often recommended to provide quick and lasting relief. In India, patients benefit from advanced medical technology, expert urologists, and cost-effective options for kidney stone removal procedures.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones form when waste products like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid accumulate and harden in the kidneys. They grow bigger over time and can obstruct the urinary tract. They lead to severe pain, infection, and damage to the kidneys if not treated.
Surgery-Indicative Symptoms
Patients experience severe side or back pain, especially while urinating. Some of the other symptoms and signs include hematuria, which is blood in the urine, urine odor, vomiting, nausea, and fever. These are typically symptoms of a stone that cannot pass naturally, and hence surgery is the most appropriate option.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Although most kidney stones can be passed without surgery, some cases demand surgery. E.g., stones greater than 6mm, recurrent infection, or stone obstruction of the urinary tract must be surgically treated. Further, refractory medical management patients are also rendered surgical candidates.
Kidney Stone Surgery Types
There are different surgeries provided in India depending on the size and position of the stone:-
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): Breaks the stones with sound waves into small fragments.
Ureteroscopy (URS): Passes a scope up through the urethra and breaks or removes stones.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Big stones are the best for this; it’s performed through a small incision on the back through which the stone is accessed and removed directly.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive procedures are less risky, have fewer cuts, meaning quicker recovery, less pain, and less risk of infection. They also shorten the patient’s hospital stay and allow them to regain their normal life sooner, a huge advantage for foreign patients.
Preparing for Kidney Stone Surgery
Pre-operatively, doctors monitor the patient’s condition with blood tests and urine tests, and imaging (CT scan or ultrasound). Fluid intake can be boosted, and some medications discontinued. This preparation ensures smoother, safer surgery with fewer complications.
Surgery Procedure Step-by-Step
Once the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon operates as per the chosen technique. In URS, a mini scope is introduced for visualization and removal of the stone. In PCNL, instruments are introduced via a small incision through the skin to remove stones directly from the kidney. Both methods ensure aseptic removal with less trauma.
Recovery After Surgery
Post-surgery, patients experience minimal pain but otherwise are on their feet in a couple of days. Doctors recommend a high-fluid diet, follow-ups, and drugs to prevent stone formation. The recovery rate also depends on the size of the stone and the surgery that they’ve had.
Risks and Complications
Although safe, there are some risks. These include risk of bleeding, urinary tract infection, and rarely, injury to the ureter or kidney. But with expert surgeons and appropriate postoperative care, these are rare and treatable if diagnosed early.
Cost of Surgery in India
India is world-famous for the affordable treatment of kidney stones. It could cost thousands of dollars in the West, but Indian hospitals provide end-of-the-world care within ₹40,000–₹1,20,000. Not just that, priority treatment and personalized attention, along with the world’s best technology,y are also provided to patients. Selecting kidney stone removal surgery in India provides patients with affordable, quality, and timely medical attention. With skilled urologists, advanced procedures, and patient-focused care, India continues to be a medical tourist destination of choice for patients from all over the world.
