Imagine a tiny, rogue rock causing immense discomfort and pain, disrupting your daily life. Kidney stones, especially those measuring 15-20mm, can feel like a relentless obstacle, making simple tasks seem impossible. Living with this kind of pain is something no one should have to go through. You’re not alone, and finding the right treatment can seem overwhelming.
But don’t worry – there are good solutions to help you feel better. Let’s take this journey together to find the best treatments for large kidney stones and help you get back to a pain-free life.
How do kidney stones affect kidney function?
Your kidneys work hard to keep your body healthy by removing waste and extra fluids. They also balance important minerals like sodium, calcium, and potassium.
When kidney stones form, they can block the flow of urine, causing a lot of pain and potentially damaging your kidneys. This blockage can lead to kidney disease if not treated. Stones can also increase the risk of infections in your urinary tract, which can sometimes spread to your bloodstream and cause serious health issues.
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form when your urine becomes too concentrated. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball and can affect any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder. Unfortunately, even after treatment, kidney stones can come back, making it important to understand how to manage and prevent them.
Knowing how kidney stones affect your kidney function can help you take better care of your health and find the right treatment to avoid future problems.
What size kidney stones can flush out on their own?
Kidney stones can vary in size, and their ability to pass naturally depends on how large they are. Generally, smaller stones have a better chance of passing on their own without the need for medical intervention.
- 2mm Stones: Stones that are 2mm in size are usually small enough to pass through the urinary tract naturally. With plenty of water and some patience, these tiny stones often pass without causing too much discomfort.
- 3mm Stones: Stones that measure 3mm also have a good chance of passing on their own. They may cause some pain and discomfort as they move through the urinary tract, but staying well-hydrated and using pain management techniques can help ease the process.
- 5mm Stones: Stones that are 5mm in size are a bit larger and can be more challenging to pass naturally. While it’s still possible for them to pass on their own, it might take longer and be more painful. Drinking lots of water, staying active, and possibly taking prescribed medications to relax the ureter can assist in passing these stones.
For any size of kidney stone, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can offer advice, pain relief options, and monitor your condition to ensure there are no complications. If the stones are too large or cause severe symptoms, medical intervention may be necessary.
What happens if you leave these stones as it is?
Leaving kidney stones untreated can lead to a variety of complications, some of which can be quite serious. Here’s what can happen if you ignore kidney stones:
- Pain and Discomfort: Kidney stones can cause severe pain, which often starts in the back or side and can move to the lower abdomen and groin. This pain can be intermittent or constant and can become extremely intense as the stone moves.
- Blockage of Urine Flow: Kidney stones can block the flow of urine, causing a buildup of urine in the kidney. This can lead to swelling (hydronephrosis) and increased pressure, which can damage the kidney.
- Infections: The blockage caused by kidney stones can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Symptoms of a UTI include a burning sensation during urination, frequent urge to urinate, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and sometimes fever and chills. If untreated, these infections can spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis) and even enter the bloodstream, causing a life-threatening condition called septicemia.
- Kidney Damage: Persistent blockage of urine and repeated infections can cause permanent damage to the kidneys. This can result in reduced kidney function and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
- Increased Risk of More Stones: Leaving stones untreated can increase the risk of developing more stones in the future. The presence of one stone can create an environment that is conducive to the formation of additional stones.
- Chronic Pain and Discomfort: Living with kidney stones can lead to chronic pain and discomfort, affecting your quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
It’s important to address kidney stones promptly. If you suspect you have kidney stones or are experiencing symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Can medicines remove 15 – 20mm Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones can often be treated with medications, especially when they are small. However, large stones, such as those measuring 15-20mm, usually cannot be dissolved or passed with medication alone. Here’s why and what other options are available:
Medications for Kidney Stones
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage the pain associated with kidney stones.
- Alpha Blockers: These medications can relax the muscles in your ureter, helping smaller stones pass more easily. However, they are generally effective for stones up to about 5-6mm in size.
- Dissolution Therapy: For certain types of stones, like uric acid stones, medications can help dissolve them. Unfortunately, this is not effective for larger stones like those measuring 15-20mm.
Stones that are 15-20mm in size are simply too large to pass through the urinary tract on their own. These large stones are unlikely to be dissolved by medication and can cause severe pain, blockages, and potentially lead to complications like kidney damage or infections if left untreated.
Surgical Options for Large Kidney Stones
If medications are not effective, there are several surgical techniques available to remove large kidney stones:
- RIRS: RIRS, or Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat kidney stones located within the kidney’s collecting system. It involves accessing the kidney through the urinary tract using a small, flexible ureteroscope. No incisions are needed, reducing recovery time and complications. Effective for treating stones of various sizes and locations within the kidney.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to break the kidney stones into smaller pieces, which can then be passed through the urine.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This is a minimally invasive surgery where a small incision is made in the back to remove the kidney stone directly. It is often used for very large stones or those that cannot be treated with other methods.
- Open Surgery: This is rarely used today but may be necessary for extremely large or complex stones. It involves a larger incision to directly access and remove the stone.
While medications can help manage symptoms and aid in the passing of small kidney stones, they are generally not effective for large stones measuring 15-20mm. Surgical techniques provide reliable and effective options for removing these large stones, preventing complications, and ensuring the health and function of your kidneys.
The most effective Treatment for 15 – 20mm Kidney Stones – RIRS
When facing kidney stones sized between 15 to 20mm, one of the most effective treatments available is Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS). This minimally invasive procedure offers several advantages in managing larger stones:
- Precision and Effectiveness: RIRS allows urologists to precisely target and remove stones within the kidney using a thin, flexible scope passed through the urinary tract. This technique is particularly suitable for stones located in the kidney’s complex structures.
- Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional open surgery, RIRS involves minimal incisions or trauma to the surrounding tissues. This results in quicker recovery times and reduced post-operative discomfort for patients.
- High Success Rate: RIRS has shown high success rates in breaking down and removing stones sized 15-20mm. Advanced tools such as lasers or pneumatic lithotripters are used to fragment the stones into smaller pieces, which are then extracted through the scope or allowed to pass naturally.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: Most patients undergoing RIRS can expect a shorter hospital stay compared to more invasive surgical procedures like open surgery or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
- Reduced Risk of Complications: The minimally invasive nature of RIRS lowers the risk of complications such as infections and damage to surrounding organs, making it a safer option for managing larger kidney stones.
Conclusion
For individuals with 15-20mm kidney stones, RIRS stands out as a highly effective treatment option. Its precision, minimal invasiveness, high success rates, and reduced risk of complications make it a preferred choice among urologists and patients alike.
At CureStone, we specialize in advanced treatments for kidney stones. Our focus is on minimizing discomfort during procedures like RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery), which is highly effective for removing 5mm kidney stones. This minimally invasive technique uses a flexible endoscope to remove stones painlessly, ensuring a comfortable experience for our patients.