EXPERT
Dr. Keith A. Hopkins, M.D.
Internist | Hypertension Specialist
Dr. Keith Hopkins is a Doctor of Internal Medicine, currently practicing in Sacramento, CA. He manages all of the illnesses associated with adults (Liver Disease, Heart Disease, Asthma, ADHD), while demonstrating care in particular areas for which he has received additional training; including Hypertension (elevated blood pressure), Nephrology (renal diseases), Diabetes, Weight Loss and non-narcotic Pain Management.
A graduate of Yale University Internal Medicine, Dr. Hopkins specializes in teaching his patients how they can be stewards of their own health. Appointments are longer than average, but are not rushed, so that ALL of your healthcare concerns are addressed. He tells those under his care "You will leave my office either Smarter or Better; hopefully both." And tirelessly works to achieve these goals. Looking for a return to the way Medicine "used to be," while experiencing transformative & transruptive care that empowers you? Make an appointment to get acquainted; he'd love to work with you!
A graduate of Yale University Internal Medicine, Dr. Hopkins specializes in teaching his patients how they can be stewards of their own health. Appointments are longer than average, but are not rushed, so that ALL of your healthcare concerns are addressed. He tells those under his care "You will leave my office either Smarter or Better; hopefully both." And tirelessly works to achieve these goals. Looking for a return to the way Medicine "used to be," while experiencing transformative & transruptive care that empowers you? Make an appointment to get acquainted; he'd love to work with you!
Dr. Keith A. Hopkins, M.D.
- Sacramento, CA
- University of Illinois College of Medicine
- Accepting new patients
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What kind of anesthesia is used for kidney stone removal?
The basic principles of stone removal depend on a few important issues: the patient's overall size and health; and the stone's overall size and location.
*Shock wave lithotripsy* READ MORE
The basic principles of stone removal depend on a few important issues: the patient's overall size and health; and the stone's overall size and location.
*Shock wave lithotripsy* (SWL) or ultrasound fracturing, is the least invasive and generally the first choice of both Provider and Patient.
*Ureteroscopy* (URS) is an exploration by using a scope through your ureter (tunnel to transport urine). When this is performed, the stone is captured in a basket-type instrument and removed. The stone has to be smaller in size and in an easily accessible location for this to be done.
*Percutaneous nephrolithotomy* (PNL) is last on my list & probably the procedure you refer to in your question. It is generally reserved for the larger, less easily accessible stones, and is basically the same as the 'basket procedure' above. However, in PNL a very small cut is made in your lower back, and the collecting instrument is inserted through the skin. In the proper hands, this proceeds without complication using only light or conscious sedation, with no excess EBL estimated blood loss.
Your primary care provider may be able to give you more details on the particulars of the person performing the procedure, but these are the basics.
*Shock wave lithotripsy* (SWL) or ultrasound fracturing, is the least invasive and generally the first choice of both Provider and Patient.
*Ureteroscopy* (URS) is an exploration by using a scope through your ureter (tunnel to transport urine). When this is performed, the stone is captured in a basket-type instrument and removed. The stone has to be smaller in size and in an easily accessible location for this to be done.
*Percutaneous nephrolithotomy* (PNL) is last on my list & probably the procedure you refer to in your question. It is generally reserved for the larger, less easily accessible stones, and is basically the same as the 'basket procedure' above. However, in PNL a very small cut is made in your lower back, and the collecting instrument is inserted through the skin. In the proper hands, this proceeds without complication using only light or conscious sedation, with no excess EBL estimated blood loss.
Your primary care provider may be able to give you more details on the particulars of the person performing the procedure, but these are the basics.
What is the treatment for high creatinine levels?
Hello,
Creatinine is a product of muscle or tissue protein breakdown. It is made in the human body, filtered by the kidney and then released in the urine. Because of its involvement, READ MORE
Hello,
Creatinine is a product of muscle or tissue protein breakdown. It is made in the human body, filtered by the kidney and then released in the urine. Because of its involvement, blood creatinine levels serve as a substitute marker for diseases of the kidney and increased levels are assumed to be because the kidneys are congested or 'stopped up.' However, elevated creatinine levels can also be from increased production as is result of muscle breakdown (strenuous exercise, running, weightlifting) or tissue destruction (anemia, ischemia). Therefore, the top two ways to correct elevated creatinine levels are to drink a good amount of water and rinse out your kidneys and most importantly, correct the original cause(s) by further exploration and definition by your healthcare provider. This is not something likely to be cured by Mom's Chicken Soup and should not be attempted on one's own.
I hope this helps and points you in the right direction.
Until next time...
Dr. K. Hopkins, MD
Creatinine is a product of muscle or tissue protein breakdown. It is made in the human body, filtered by the kidney and then released in the urine. Because of its involvement, blood creatinine levels serve as a substitute marker for diseases of the kidney and increased levels are assumed to be because the kidneys are congested or 'stopped up.' However, elevated creatinine levels can also be from increased production as is result of muscle breakdown (strenuous exercise, running, weightlifting) or tissue destruction (anemia, ischemia). Therefore, the top two ways to correct elevated creatinine levels are to drink a good amount of water and rinse out your kidneys and most importantly, correct the original cause(s) by further exploration and definition by your healthcare provider. This is not something likely to be cured by Mom's Chicken Soup and should not be attempted on one's own.
I hope this helps and points you in the right direction.
Until next time...
Dr. K. Hopkins, MD
Sex with urethral stent placement?
Hello,
Based on what you've stated, you should be seen by your provider. With the stent had moved slightly or been dislodged. If you are making urine, even if it is 'blood tinged,' READ MORE
Hello,
Based on what you've stated, you should be seen by your provider. With the stent had moved slightly or been dislodged. If you are making urine, even if it is 'blood tinged,' but not 'bright red,' you may be able to wait until you get a call back from your provider. Bright red urine, increasing pain, fever or chills, and you should go straight to the Emergency Department. But as always, use your best judgement and go to the ED if anything concerns you.
I hope that this helps.
Dr. Keith Hopkins
Based on what you've stated, you should be seen by your provider. With the stent had moved slightly or been dislodged. If you are making urine, even if it is 'blood tinged,' but not 'bright red,' you may be able to wait until you get a call back from your provider. Bright red urine, increasing pain, fever or chills, and you should go straight to the Emergency Department. But as always, use your best judgement and go to the ED if anything concerns you.
I hope that this helps.
Dr. Keith Hopkins
Can a UTI prevent me from finding out I’m pregnant?
Hello,
In general, a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), a bladder infection, or, even the more serious, Pyelonephritis will not cause false positive or false negative results for READ MORE
Hello,
In general, a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), a bladder infection, or, even the more serious, Pyelonephritis will not cause false positive or false negative results for a urinary pregnancy tests. However, if you don't trust the urine results, no matter the reason, you should follow up with a more sensitive and specific blood test.
I hope that this helps.
Dr. Keith Hopkins
In general, a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), a bladder infection, or, even the more serious, Pyelonephritis will not cause false positive or false negative results for a urinary pregnancy tests. However, if you don't trust the urine results, no matter the reason, you should follow up with a more sensitive and specific blood test.
I hope that this helps.
Dr. Keith Hopkins
