Kidney Stone Laser Treatment: The Safe and Effective Way to Remove Stones
Kidney stones are a widespread medical issue that impacts millions of individuals worldwide. These are small, hard lumps of minerals and salts that develop in the kidneys. While some stones are small and expelled naturally, others may be large and cause extreme pain, infections, and urinary complications. If you are experiencing kidney stone problems, consulting the Best Urologist in Jaipur for Kidney Stone Laser Treatment can help ensure timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
Kidney stones are very uncomfortable to live with. The patients usually complain of sharp back or side pain, blood in the urine, frequent urination, and nausea. In other instances, the pain is so severe to such an extent that it seems to be impossible to cope without medical assistance.
Luckily medical science has come a long way. In modern times, laser treatment of kidney stones is regarded as one of the safest and most effective treatments to eliminate kidney stones. In comparison to the old method of using a knife and taking much time to recover after the surgery, laser treatment is less invasive, fast, and effective in the treatment.
What is kidney stone laser treatment?
Kidney stone laser is a new medical practice where laser energy is used to treat and disintegrate kidney stones into minute fragments. The doctor removes these fragments or allows them to be passed through the urine.
This is quite contrasting to the old ways of surgery whereby patients used to be required to make big incisions on the body to extract the stones. The laser technique instead of the open surgery involves the use of thin tools that pass through the urinary tract, which makes the process safer, less painful, and easier to recover from.
How Kidney Stone Laser Treatment Works
The process is carried out in stages to bestow safety and comfort to the patient. Here is how it usually works:
Patient preparation
- The initial examination of the patient is by using tests such as ultrasound or CT scan to detect the exact position and size of the stone. It is also checked by the doctor regarding general health before the procedure.
Use of laser to break stones
- A ureteroscope is a thin tube, which is inserted via the urinary tract to the kidney stone. After the stone is found, a laser beam is applied in order to cut it into small pieces.
Removal of the stones or natural passage
- They can be removed with specialized tools, or the body passing through urine is allowed, depending on the size of the fragments themselves.
Duration of procedure
- The whole treatment process typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the volume and quantity of stones.
Surgical anesthesia and analgesia
- The operation is carried out under anesthesia; therefore, the patient feels nothing. In some cases, mild discomfort is likely to be experienced after the treatment but can be dealt with using medicines.
Benefits of Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones
The use of laser treatment has gained a lot of popularity due to the numerous advantages that it possesses.
- Minimally invasive
There is no need for large cuts or stitches. The instruments are transmitted into the body through the natural routes, and therefore it is a safe method. - Faster recovery
Patients are normally able to go back home within a day and to go back to normal activities within a week after surgery as compared to traditional surgery, where a patient may need weeks of rest. - High success rate
The laser has the capability of cutting stones of various sizes and hardness. The success rates are very good, and the probabilities of stone fragments remaining behind are minimal. - Less risk of complications
There are no big cuts, and therefore the chances of bleeding, infection, or damaging the organs are a great deal less than those involved in open surgery.
Risks and Precautions
Laser treatment can be considered safe; nevertheless, like any medical treatment, laser has certain potential risks. The patients are also expected to observe precautions in order to recover smoothly.
Possible side effects
- Other patients can be affected by mild pain, pain when having urine, burning, the presence of blood in the urine, or UTI. These are usually temporary.
Post-procedure care
- It is also imperative to drink a lot of water so as to clear fragments left. Antibiotics may also be administered to prevent infection by doctors.
Importance of follow-up
- The patients must not miss follow-up appointments. The physician can also get the images to be taken to make sure that no pieces are remaining and that the kidneys are intact.
Recovery After Kidney Stone Laser Treatment
Recovery occurs rapidly, though the patient should take care of his health at this time.
- Expected recovery timeline
The majority of the patients are released in a period of 24 hours. Mild discomfort can take a few days; however, normal activities are mostly curable in a week. - Hydration and analgesics
Painkillers can be given for short-term use by physicians. Patients are advised to consume no less than 8–10 glasses of water every day to ensure that the urine is clear and the kidneys clear any small fragments. - Dietary recommendations
Diet helps a lot in the prevention of new stones. Patients are advised to:- Minimize salt and processed food.
- Avoid high-oxalate foods (spinach, nuts, chocolate, etc.).
- Consume more vegetables and fruits.
- Eat a sufficient amount of calcium sources, such as milk and yogurt, that are safe.
Cost of Kidney Stone Laser Treatment
The price of treatment may differ under the influence of numerous factors.
- Approximate cost range
The average price of the laser treatment of kidney stones in India varies between 50,000 and 150,000, according to hospital facilities, size of stone, and city. - Insurance coverage
The majority of health insurance practices cover treatments of kidney stones, including laser. The patients are advised to verify information with their insurance company. - The comparison with conventional surgery
Conventional surgery can turn out to be cheaper; however, because of the hospital stay, the risks of complication and recovery time are also more prolonged. Laser treatment is less expensive in the long run because it has fast recovery and minimal risks.
Conclusion
Kidney stones are uncomfortable and inconvenient, but they have been made easier to treat via modern medicine. Laser surgery on kidney stones is currently one of the most effective. It is non-invasive and very effective, and its recovery is faster than the conventional approach.
There is no need to ignore the symptoms in case you or the loved one is experiencing kidney stones. See a urologist to know whether laser treatment is appropriate. Kidney stones can be cured in good time with medication, lifestyle modification, and follow-up, and the likelihood of attack can be minimized.
Laser treatment provides patients with an opportunity to live without suffering the pain and discomfort that is always present due to stones on their body, and that makes it a very safe and effective remedy.