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Treating Kidney Stones

Based on the exact cause of the kidney stones, you and your doctor would sit together to identify the best treatment plan which would be suitable for you. Many a times the kidney stones would not need any kind of invasive treatment. The individual may be able to pass a small kidney stone by taking any of the below mentioned steps.

  • Drinking enough of water: Water intake is known to flush out all the toxins and waste from the systems. An individual should drink at least two to three quarts of water in a day unless the doctor has advised otherwise. When you drink enough of water or other fluids then it can help to produce a clear urine and also flushing out the toxin waste from the body.
  • Taking pain relieving medications: The doctor can recommend to go in for ibuprofen or acetaminophen for providing relief from the pain, swelling and irritation which is caused due to this condition.
  • Starting off a medication plan: The doctor can provide a medication plan for helping to pass the kidney stones smoothly. These medications such as alpha blockers are known to help in relaxing the muscles which in turn would help the kidney stones to pass out quickly and also with less pain.

At certain times a kidney stone can be too large for passing on its own thereby leading to instances of bleeding or causing urinary tract infections. In such cases the doctor based on the severity of the condition can then suggest a more extensive form of treatment to get these stones removed without causing any other issues. This can involve carrying out a surgery for removing the stones.  

For removing a smaller stone present in the uterus or the kidney the doctor can pass a thin lighted tube known as a the ureteroscope which also has a camera through the urethra as well as the bladder to the ureter. Once this stone is located then the use of special tools can help in snaring the stone or break those stones into small pieces such that it can pass from the urine.

The doctor can then place a small tube or a stent in the ureter so as to providing relief from swelling and also promote healing. Before carrying out this procedure the doctor can provide a general or a local anaesthesia. There is another procedure known as the percutaneous nephrolithotomy which is said to involve a surgical route of removing these stones by using a small telescope as well as instruments which are inserted through the small incision present in the back. The doctor would first give a general anaesthesia before the surgery and the individual would be in the hospital for a day or two for the recovery process. If the ESWL was unsuccessful then the doctor may recommend to go in for surgery.

Also when you are aware that there is a family history of kidney stones prevalent in your family it would be best to speak to the doctor and get suggestions on how such things can be prevented.