Can kidney stones be treated without surgery?
April 27, 2023 | 80,00 EUR | answered by Otto Wolf
Dear doctor,
My name is Piotr Koch and I have been suffering from kidney stones for some time now. I have experienced several painful episodes where I felt strong pain in my lower abdomen and back. After visiting my primary care physician, I was informed that I have kidney stones and that surgery should be considered to remove them.
The prospect of surgery is causing me great concern, as I am afraid of surgical procedures and would like to consider alternative treatment options. Therefore, I am wondering if it is possible to treat kidney stones without surgery. Are there non-invasive methods such as ultrasound or shock wave therapy that can break up the kidney stones so they can be naturally passed?
I would like to know what non-surgical treatment options are available for kidney stones and whether they are suitable for my specific case. I would appreciate learning more from you about these alternative treatment options and what risks or side effects may be associated with them.
Thank you in advance for your time and expertise.
Sincerely,
Piotr Koch
Dear Mr. Koch,
Thank you for your question regarding the treatment of kidney stones. I'm sorry to hear that you are suffering from recurring pain due to kidney stones. It is understandable that you have concerns about a possible operation and are looking for non-operative treatment options.
There are indeed various non-invasive methods for treating kidney stones that can be considered before surgery is taken into consideration. One of these methods is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), where shock waves are directed from outside the body to break up the kidney stones. This can cause the stones to break into smaller fragments that can then be naturally passed through the urinary tract. This method is often used for smaller kidney stones and is typically painless.
Another non-operative treatment option is percutaneous nephrolithotomy, where a small incision is made in the back to directly remove the kidney stones. This method is commonly used for larger or stubborn stones that cannot be treated with other methods. Whether this method is suitable for your specific case depends on the size and location of the stones.
There is also the option of endoscopic stone removal, where a flexible tube (endoscope) is inserted through the urethra to remove the stones. This method is often used for stones located in the lower urinary tract.
It is important that you discuss the different treatment options with your urologist to find the most suitable method for you. Each treatment method carries certain risks and side effects that should be discussed with your doctor. It is also important that you inform your doctor about your concerns regarding surgery so that the best treatment strategy can be developed together.
I hope this information is helpful to you and that you will soon find a suitable treatment method for your kidney stones. If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist.
Sincerely,
Otto Wolf
