Painful and relatively common, kidney stones affect millions of people globally. People suffering from them lose their quality of life due to the immense pain that it causes. A 7mm kidney stone is considered to be moderate in size which makes it equally painful; the passing of it through the urinary tract can be incredibly difficult. If you have been recognized with a 7mm kidney stone, you might be questioning whether you will need medical intervention or how to best dissolve it. Let’s examine the expectations.
Will a 7mm Kidney Stone Pass on Its Own?
On its own, the natural passing of a kidney stone relies on multiple factors such as the composition, health of the individual, size, and placement of the stone. In general, a patient that has a stone that is less than 5mm will require less medical intervention as they will be able to pass it naturally. A 7mm stone however is quite difficult to expel.
- Chances of Success: In other studies, people who have stones that range from the 4-6mm range have a 60% success rate but for those who are at 7mm, the chances drop drastically.
- Estimated Duration: A 7mm kidney stone could take weeks to months to fully pass. During this period, a person suffering from it will have to deal with extreme discomfort.
- Signs of concern include: Pain, Blood in urine, Fever, Nausea, Trouble urinating – All these symptoms are warning lights and you should see a doctor immediately.
Factors Affecting Natural Passage
- Location of the stone: Stones located in ureter (the tube between the kidney and bladder) are more likely to pass naturally than those located within the kidney.
- Hydration levels: Drinking plenty of water(3-4 liters per day) may facilitate the movement of the stone through the urinary tract.
- Medical Support: Alpha- blockers like Tamsulosin can assist by relaxing the ureter to facilitate the passing of the stone with less discomfort.
What to Consider About a 7mm Kidney Stone Dissolve with Medicines ?
Some stones especially uric acid stones can be lessened in sizes by the use of potassium citrate or sodium bicarbonate, which aids in making the environment of the urine less acidic. Unlike the most prevalent type of stone, which is calcium stones, calcium oxide and phosphate stones do not dissolve with mere medications.
For Uric stones, lifestyle and dietary modifications are important, such as:
- Eating more fruit like lemons and oranges, that will result in enhanced urinary citrate which prevent the stones from getting larger.
- Decrease intake of foods high in oxalate such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate if you have calcium oxalate stones.
- Regulate intake of salt and animal protein because they boost calcium discharge in the urine.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Medical assistance is likely needed for a 7mm stone, especially if it results in the following conditions:
- Severe pain that is persistent
- Obstruction of the urinary system which can result in renal failure
- Ongoing infections or hematuria
Some of the more prevalent treatment options include:
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)
RIRS employs a high-powered laser that breaks a kidney stone into fine particles which are easily flushed out through urine. The laser is less invasive than traditional surgical methods, and uses a flexible endoscope that is inserted through the urethra and bladder to directly reach the kidney. This procedure is rather complex, but very effective. Because of the lack of major incisions, there is a significantly less amount of post-surgery pain experienced by the patient. In addition, the patient has a higher chance of success, and a faster means of recovery RIRS is best suited for complex kidney stones.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
ESWL does not require any means of incision and only uses the application of sound waves to break kidney stones apart. This method is external and is most effective for small to medium-sized stones, but can also be used with larger stones; in this case, multiple sessions are required. Safe and widely used, ESWL has a very short recovery period, but takes some time for the fragments to be fully cleared.
Ureteroscopy (URS)
URS is an operative technique done with the aid of an endoscope that is used to detect and extract stones from the kidney or ureter. The procedure involves the insertion of a slender, flexible tube known as an ureteroscope, equipped with a camera, through the urethra. The camera helps direct the ureteroscope through the urethra and bladder, eventually reaching the ureter where the stone is located. If the stone is small, it is removed using a basket. If the stone is larger than a specific dimension, the stone is crushed using a laser. It is a highly effective procedure for stones located in the ureter as it ensures stone extraction while reducing recovery time.
Dr. Deepanshu Gupta – Renowned Urologist In Gurgaon
For kidney stones that are 7mm and larger, expert urologist Dr. Gupta Deepanshu has unsurpassed skill in using Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) which involves a new advanced technique of laser. It is a minimally invasive procedure that enables the use of lasers to break kidney stones without much trauma to the body. This method drastically improves the patient’s condition by allowing faster recovery with less pain and discomfort, resulting in a win-win situation.
Are you suffering from the pain of kidney stones and you need help with medical assistance? Would you like to receive treatment from an expert’s expert? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Gupta Deepanshu and restore your kidney wellbeing.