Salt and minerals form deposits which are known as kidney stones. These stones are one of the problem related to health which affects a lot of people in the worl. While these stones can lead to severe pain along with serious issues when passing through the urinary system. The severity of symptoms of the kidney stones is highly dependent upon the type of stone the kidney has, where it is located, and its size.
Stones that are smaller in size can often be passed through the body naturally, however, larger stones, particularly the ones that lead to blockages, need to be surgically removed to prevent infections or severe pain. One of the newest and more technologically advanced methods in the treatment of kidney stones is known as Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy (URSL), a method which provides patients with a minimally invasive procedure to treat the stones. Patients are able to recover at a much faster rate while also overcoming the complications that come with traditional surgical techniques.
What kidney stones are?
Kidney stones are hard pieces of compound minerals and salts formed in the kidney. They are associated with the crystallization of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid due to high concentration of urine.
Types of kidney stones
Much like every other problem in the world, kidney stones also have classifications. These stones are formed by the combination of different groups of elements:
- Calcium stones: These stones are formed due to an increase in calcium levels in the urine.
- Struvite stones: These stones are mostly associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Uric acid stones: These stones are mostly formed in high-protein or gout patients.
- Cystine stones: These stones are usually caused by a genetic disorder.
The greatest factors to consider when thinking about treatment are the patient’s stone: size, location, and type. URSL has been found to have the highest success rate for stones within the ureters and lower portions of the kidneys.
What is URSL?
Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy (URSL) is a method of ultrasound therapy for kidney stone fragmentation within the ureter and the lower portion of the kidney. To do this, a ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra, connecting it to the bladder and reaching the ureters to find the stones directly, then proceeding to smash and extract them.
The procedure makes use of laser systems (Holmium:YAG laser) or a pneumatic lithotripter to fragment the stones into small pieces, which may be easily removed or passed naturally through the urine.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate For URSL?
URSL is typically recommended for:
- Stones that are located in the ureter or the kidney with sizes ranging between 5mm to 15 mm
- Stones that are painfully obstructed and not passing naturally
- Obstructive uropathy due to hydronephrosis or kidney insufficiency
- Kidney stones with recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Non-surgery reliant treatment failures such as medical treatment or fluid replenishment therapy
A Stepwise Guide in Order Of How To Use URSL
URSL is one of the newest interventions that is very effective method under general or spinal anesthesia and usually takes about 30-60 minutes.
1. What To Do Prior to The Procedure
Patients will be subjected to blood and urine tests as well as imaging procedures such as a CT scan or ultrasound to evaluate and determine the size and the position of the stones.
During this process there is some administration of Anesthesia, this could either be spinal or general.
If necessary, a urinary catheter can be inserted in order to keep the bladder empty to make the procedure easier.
2. Insert Patient Scope
In a delicate manner a thin fiber ureteroscope will be introduced through the urethra bladder and up into the ureter.
To make the determination, visualization of the stone is performed via a camera that is mounted on the upper portion of the ureteroscope.
3. Using a Laser To Take The Fragmentation Of The Stone & Rendering Them Into Tiny Parts & The Extraction
The stone will be divided into minute fragments with the help of a laser (Holmium:YAG laser) or a pneumatic lithotripter.
The pieces are either extracted using a mini basket or allowed to pass through urine on their own.
4. Stent Insertion (If Needed)
At times, a temporary ureteral stent is inserted to allow the ureter to remain open. This serves to facilitate proper flowing of urine and prevent any possible swelling or blockage.
5. After Care & Release
The patient is observed for some hours and ordinarily goes home on the same day.
Follow-up is arranged to evaluate recovery and to remove the stent, if it was inserted.
Benefits of URSL
The primary benefits of URSL over conventional methods of kidney stone removal include:
- Fewer Risks: No cuts or stitches needed
- Improved Outcome: Most ureteral stones get completely removed
- Reduced Downtime: Patients are able to get back to normal activities in a matter of days.
- Reduced Pain & Better Recovery: In comparison to open surgery or ESWL.
- Performed Without Hospitalization: No extended hospital admissions are needed.
Care After Surgery and Recovery
Overall, recovery from URSL goes smoothly, however, patients may report the following symptoms:
- Mild burning sensation while urinating.
- Slightly pink urine: possible mild bleeding due to removal of stone.
- Increased urinary frequency
- Mild lower abdominal pain
- If a ureteral stent is placed, patients may have increased urinary frequency or mild irritation, which subsides after a few days or weeks when the stent is removed.
Strategies for After-Procedure Measures
- Drink plenty of water to help flush out stone fragments
- Make sure to take the ordered medications (antibiotics and pain killers) as instructed
- Refrain from lifting heavy objects or engaging in tedious activities for a couple of days
- See your urologist for stent removal and required follow up visits to check after the procedure
- Look out for warning signs such as fever, severe pain, or problems urinating and seek help from a healthcare provider if necessary
What Makes Dr. Deepanshu Gupta the Best for URSL?
If you are looking for an authority on kidney stones, a seasoned urologist is what you need.
Dr. Deepanshu Gupta is an experienced urologist who specializes in kidney stones. He has broad experience in performing URSL, laser lithotripsy, PCNL, and other minimally invasive urological procedures. He is known for:
- High quality diagnosis and treatment of particular patient problems
- Providing faster recovery and safety by using advanced technology
- All-in-one doctor service starting from consultation and ending with post-operation care
Dr. Gupta has treated thousands of patients with complicated kidney stones and multifactorial urinary tract diseases and helped them regain health through modern, minimally invasive surgery. His patients love him because his methods guarantee the best results without risk to safety or comfort.
Do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Deepanshu Gupta if you or your family members are experiencing any symptoms from kidney stones for a thorough assessment and modern treatment options.