Kidney stones are crystalline solid accumulations that develop in the kidney and result in acute discomfort and difficulty urinating. Surgery is required when stones are larger than normal to pass or continuously cause symptoms. A patient’s comprehension of the recovery period after stone surgery is essential to achieving the best possible outcome in healing and avoiding future incidents.
Different Types Of Kidney Stone Surgeries
Below are the different types of kidney stone removal surgeries:-
1. Ureteroscopy (URS) with Laser Lithotripsy:
Procedure: A slender scope is threaded through the urinary passage to locate and destroy stones using a laser.
Recovery: Patients, in general, will be able to perform routine activities within a few days, mostly 2 or 3 days. Stents left temporarily to allow urine to flow may be mildly painful until removed.
2. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)
Procedure: Access and treatment of stones located inside the kidney are done using a flexible scope without any cuts being made.
Recovery: includes a short-time hospitalization — with patients being sent home the same day or post one-night stay in the hospital. Return to normal activities is assumed to happen in a few days.
3. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Procedure: A large or complex kidney stone will be removed through the back by making an incision in the body.
Recovery: Hospitalization could be as short as one to two days, while full recovery will take two to four weeks. Patients should be advised that heavy lifting is prohibited during this time.
4. Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)
Procedure: This is a non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to reduce the size of the stones by breaking them into smaller fragments.
Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within two days and adequate hydration facilitates the excretion of stone fragments.
How Much Time Does Kidney Stone Surgery Take?
The time taken for kidney stone surgery will rely on the type of procedure, the stone’s size and location, and how complex the case is. Below is a summary of the average time taken for each commonly performed procedure:
1. URS (Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy)
Time Taken: 30 to 90 minutes
Details: A flexible ureteroscope is advanced through the urinary bladder, ureters to the renal pelvis where a stone is located. A laser is then employed to fragment the stone.
Same-day discharge is often available.
2. RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery):
Time Taken: 45 minutes to 2 hours
Details: This procedure entails the use of a retrograde approach with a scope within the renal pelvis to visualize and access renal stones. The duration of this procedure depends on the number and size of stones as it is a minimally invasive laser procedure of deeper kidney stones.
3. PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy):
Time Taken: 1.5 to 3 hours
Details: It is used for large or complicated kidney stones. It involves back incision and the more direct approach of stone extraction.
May need 1–2 days of hospitalization.
4. ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy):
Time Taken: 30 to 60 minutes
Details: A non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to shatter stones. It’s an outpatient procedure.
Depending on the size of the stone, multiple sessions may be required.
While the surgical procedure itself may take one to two hours, pre-operative and post-operative hospital stay will add several additional hours.
Please consult your urologist for the most accurate estimate based on your stone’s size, location, and your general health.
Postoperative Care and Tips for Smooth Recovery
- Hydration: Staying hydrated at levels of 2 to 3 liters daily goes a long way in stone fragment removal as well as the formation deterrent of new stones.
- Dietary Changes: If needed, adapt food choices guided by composition of stones.
- Calcium Oxalate: Decrease incorporations of xanthan-rich foods such as spinach and nuts.
- Uric Acid Stones: Reduce consumption of red meat and shellfish. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is beneficial for the health of the kidneys.
- Pain Management: Managing pain that may occur after surgery. Pain is common as a post surgical symptom. Symptomatic relief may be achieved with over-the-counter pain medications or those prescribed by the physician. Always listen to the doctor regarding the medication.
- Physical Activity: Light activities can be commenced as tolerated, however at least 1-2 weeks of no heavy or strenuous exercises is required, depending on the type of surgery.
- Stent Care: If a ureteral stent is placed, it may lead to increased urination and some pain. Such symptoms generally resolve with removal of the stent within weeks from the date of surgery.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups are crucial to monitor healing, remove stents if placed, and assess for any remaining stones. Your urologist may require some imaging to confirm complete clearance of the stones.
Potential Complications to Monitor
While rare, the following symptoms require special attention:
- Infection: Identifying factors may include increase in body temperature, shivering, or urine with a tinge of yellow.
- Bleeding: In the absence of other indicators, mild bleeding is a normal discharge from the genital excretory system.
- Obstruction: The symptoms of difficulty in urinating or severe pain can indicate the presence of a blockage.
Along with other symptoms, if you notice these, seek urgent medical attention. Ease.
Long-Term Prevention Strategies
Preventive measures for future kidney stones include:
- Maintaining Hydration: An increase in fluid consumption optimizes urine, reducing stone-inducing compounds.
- Dietary Modifications: Adjusting diet based on the type of the stone can help avoid recurrence.
- Regular Monitoring: Active check-ins paired with imaging exams aids in the early detection of stones.
Postoperative recovery following kidney stone surgery largely differs with the underlying procedure done and the patient’s overall health condition. For instance, patients recovering from less invasive techniques, such as RIRS and URS, experience faster recovery times compared to those who undergo PCNL. Following postoperative care guidelines, drinking enough fluids, and other lifestyle adjustments is crucial not only for recovery but to reduce the likelihood of stones forming in the future.
Why Choose Dr. Deepanshu Gupta At CureStone?
At CureStone, we understand the burden kidney stones have on people’s lives and strive to deliver advanced, pain-free, and effective treatment solutions tailored for each patient.
Here are a couple of reasons that will compel you to consult Dr. Deepanshu Gupta at CureStone.
- Expertise in Laser Kidney Stone Treatment: Well-known for performing complex RIRS procedures.
- Minimally Invasive Strategy: Lowers pain, recovery time, and surgical complication rate.
- Incorporating Patient History into Medical Care Plans: Personalized approaches considering stone size, location, and patient’s medical history.
- Modern Medical Equipment: Outfitted with the latest laser and endoscopic equipment for the best possible results.
We encourage you to consult with us regarding kidney stones right away, and your life without stones starts here.