Kidney stones are a development of hardened minerals in the kidney or the urinary system. Commonly, kidney stones are formed due to a decrease in urine volume or increase in the minerals which are responsible for formation of the stones in the urine. On an average, 1 in every 20 people are likely to have a kidney stone in their entire lifetime. Small kidney stones can pass out of the body through the urinary tract on their own. But kidney stones bigger in size are likely to stay in the kidney, bladder or urethra.
If the kidney stone does not pass on its own, the urologist will suggest treatment. Urologists will first begin the treatment with non-surgical options such as medications or changes in diet and lifestyle. But if they fail to treat the condition, the urologist may suggest surgery. Untreated kidney stones can develop an infection and cause severe pain. lf a patient has a large stone or stones in both the kidneys, the urologists will suggest him to act quickly and get operated on the soonest.
What are the risks of an untreated kidney stone?
Untreated kidney stones also increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure. If not treated properly, chronic kidney disease can progress until one or both of the kidneys stops functioning, which is called kidney failure. The only option to treat kidney failure is by dialysis or a kidney transplant.
A major complication of untreated kidney stones is hydronephrosis. It is the swelling of the kidney due to a build-up of urine. Hydronephrosis occurs when the urine cannot drain out from the kidney to the bladder due to a blockage or obstruction. Hydronephrosis can happen in one or both the kidneys. In young people, the common cause of hydronephrosis is due to kidney stones that may have blocked the kidneys or urinary tract. Hydronephrosis may or may not cause symptoms and the symptoms of this condition depend on the cause and severity of the blockage. Hydronephrosis is a serious condition and may result in decreased kidney function. If not treated immediately, permanent damage to the kidney or both the kidneys may occur, resulting in kidney failure.
The best way to keep your kidneys healthy is by getting the required treatment for kidney stones before the damage is severe. In case you or your loved one has symptoms of kidney stones or have been diagnosed with kidney stones, it is very important to get timely treatment of the stone. Make sure to choose the best urologists for your kidney stone removal in Delhi.
How does the urologist diagnose kidney stones?
Diagnosis of a kidney stone begins with the patient’s medical history, a physical examination and then followed by imaging tests. In most cases, the urologist will order one of more diagnostic tests to check for the size, location and type of kidney stones. Tests may include-
- Blood and urine tests to detect any abnormal substances which might cause kidney stones to form.
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP), a type of X-ray which will provide pictures of the urinary system.
- CT or CAT scan, for detailed pictures of the affected organ.
Renal ultrasound, which creates pictures of the internal organs using sound waves.
The urologist will want to know the exact size and location of the kidney stone. This will let the urologist decide the best approach to treat the kidney stone. The health of the kidneys will also be evaluated by blood and urine tests. The urologist will also find out the cause of the stone to prevent recurrence or find out if any underlying health condition is causing kidney stones. While deciding the best treatment option for you, the urologist will also consider your overall health, and the size and location of the stone.
What are the best treatment options for kidney stone removal in Delhi?
Getting proper treatment for kidney stones is very important. Kidney stones not only cause pain, but can also damage the kidneys by blocking the flow of urine (hydronephrosis) or permanent organ damage. Smaller kidney stones can block the flow of urine by blocking the ureter and urethra, causing UTIs and other serious complications. Rarely, untreated kidney stones can be life-threatening.
Minimally invasive and the most advanced treatment options for kidney stone removal in Delhi include-
Ureteroscopy (URS)- Ureteroscopy used for the removal of kidney stone when the stone is stuck in the ureter. The stone is removed with a ureteroscopy which is passed through the bladder into the ureter. The procedure is minimally invasive and pain free in nature.
RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery)- This is the procedure for performing surgery within the kidney using a flexible ureteroscope to remove small kidney stones and stones from the upper ureter.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)- A non-invasive treatment option which uses powerful shock waves that are directed toward the locations of the stone and breaking it up into smaller stones which will be able to pass from the urinary tract.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)- A minimally-invasive surgical approach used on larger kidney stones or when other options such as ESWL have not been effective. In this procedure, kidney stones are removed with a thin nephroscope which is inserted through a small incision in the back.
The urologist will suggest you the most suitable treatment option for your kidney stone removal after complete and thorough diagnosis. Getting the best treatment for kidney stones is very important to prevent any further complications or recurrence. This makes it very important to choose the best hospital and urologist for your kidney stone removal in Delhi. You can consult the finest urologists at Pristyn care clinics, which are located in several cities including Delhi and various other metro and tertiary cities.
