If you are about to undergo kidney stone surgery, you have every reason to be nervous, anxious, and perhaps even plagued with various myths about the entire procedure. While enduring a surgical operation can be scary, understanding the procedure in detail helps relieve some of your apprehensions. We have gone ahead and compiled a few important pre-surgery steps that are bound to make the mental preparation for your kidney stone surgery easier.
Key Surgery For Kidney Stone Removal
Kidney stones refer to the crystallization of minerals and salts present in your kidney, which may lead to unbearable pain in addition to blocking the urinary tract. Infections may also occur as a result. Surgical procedures are typically suggested for stones that have the tendency to persistently cause pain, drainage difficulties, and do not naturally pass on their own.
Some other surgical options also exist, however, the most commonly performed include the following:
- Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS): A type of surgical operation that is also considered to be minimally invasive in which a small camera is passed through the urethra, bladder, and ureters to the kidney. This allows for either the removal of stone or breaking it down using an external apparatus.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Purpose of this is to use sound waves to break the stone into tiny fragments.
- Ureteroscopy: In this procedure, a small flexible tube is moved through the urinary bladder with the intention of removing or breaking the stone.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This is a more complex surgery for large stones in the kidney where a small cut on the back is made to access and remove the stone.
The choice of method will depend on how large and how accessible the stone is. RIRS is often preferred due to being one of the least invasive procedures with quick recovery times.
Steps To Prepare for Kidney Stone Surgery
Below are the steps to prepare for kidney stone surgery:-
Step 1: Consultation Before Surgery
Prior to the surgery, there is a consultation scheduled with a specialist in kidney stones surgery which is done one day or two days before the surgery. The consultation is very important because the clinician ensures the patient is medically fit for the operation. This is how the process will go:
- Medical History: The physician checks file notes to capture the patient’s history and other existing conditions like – as an example – an allergy to insulin which the patient did not know was important. This information is useful in preventing complications in the surgery.
- Blood and Urine: The patient is asked to submit materials for testing and this is important in establishing infection and anything else that could complicate the surgery.
- Imaging: A doctor will also suggest that some pieces of imaging be done like CT scan or ultrasound to portray the stones and their specific location in the kidney.
Cutting back on the meds you’re currently on, alongside providing your doctor with a full update on your health and medicines taken, will certainly benefit you during the surgery.
Step 2: Preparing Physically
Full body preparations are crucial on the day of your surgery. These are the basic instructions provided to every patient:-
1. Fasting:
Surgery requires a lot of prep work. All patients are required to go without food and drinks for a minimum of 8-12 hours. This lowers the chances of complications occurring from anesthesia, particularly if the patient’s stomach is not full.
2. Hydration:
The body needs to be adequately hydrated before surgery; however, in the days leading to it, drinking water or any liquid a few hours before is ill advised.
3. Medication Adjustments:
Patients are suggested to go off some of their medications before the surgery. For instance, it would be safer if you stopped blood thinners like aspirin prior to the procedure since they can increase bleeding, making the surgery more hazardous.
4. Clothing and Personal Items:
Make sure to put on soft, breezy clothes and not carry anything of value the day of the operation. If the patient is undergoing anesthesia, they will be directed to wear a hospital gown.
Step 3: Understanding the Procedure
The most common kidney stone surgeries are summarized below for your understanding.
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS):
RIRS is a procedure whereby a flexible ureteroscope is passed via the urinary tract. The doctor is able to see the stones, and with the use of laser energy, they are able to remove or break them. This procedure is often chosen for smaller stones owing to its rapid recovery associated with minimal incisions.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL):
You will be positioned in front of a machine that sends shock waves into your body, aiming at the stone. The shock waves will reduce the stone to smaller pieces that can be passed through the urinary tract.
Ureteroscopy:
A thin flexible tube (ureteroscope) is passed through the urethra and the bladder into the ureter where the stone is located. A laser is then used to break the stone into smaller pieces or remove it entirely.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL):
The procedure begins with you being made to lie down in a supine position. A small incision is made on your back and a tube is placed in the incision. The tube is used to remove large stones directly or break them apart. Hospitalization and tedious recovery time are typical after this procedure.
Invasive Surgery:
This type of surgery is rarely required. It includes making a large incision to access the kidney and remove the stone.
Step 4: Post-Operative Recovery
The recovery tips provided here are general in nature, as recovery time shifts depending on the type of surgery performed.
1. Hospitalization Associated With Surgery:
Patients who undergo PCNL may be admitted for 1 to 2 days. Patients undergoing RIRS or ESWL are likely to be discharged the same day.
2. Pain Management Protocols:
Some postoperative pain is to be expected. You will be provided with analgesics for pain control. Following an ESWL procedure, some patients experience mild pain as result of the stone pieces traversing the urinary system.
3. Changes In Diet:
Increased hydration will help remove the stone pieces from the body. You will also need to adhere to guidelines intended to minimize the likelihood of new stones developing.
4. Appointments After The Surgical Procedure:
Following surgery, your physician will monitor recovery to ascertain the presence of any residual stones. These images will also be taken in order to confirm the stone removal.
Step 5: Emotional and Mental Readiness
Feeling nervous ahead of a surgery is understandable. Do not hesitate to channel your feelings before the procedure. Discuss your worries with your physician, friends, or a shrink so that you can share how you feel and receive appropriate support.
To Conclude: Recovery From Kidney Stones
At CureStone, we appreciate that comfort and peace of mind, particularly when managing DJ stent removals—and truly understand the concerns that come with it. Our focus is on comfort for patients, the process is made safe, smooth, and pain-free. Your care is our top priority. Your comfort is our responsibility; we explain every step, and all efforts are made to minimize discomfort.
For specialized attention, consult Dr. Deepanshu Gupta, an expert urologist and kidney stone specialist in Gurgaon. Having years of experience in dealing with kidney stones, Dr. Gupta skilfully attends to patients with a profound strategy to ensure the recovery process is uncomplicated and efficient. From pre-operative consultations to surgery and preventative measures, you are guided every step of the way.
Book a consultation to know more!