Kidney Stone Laser Treatment - Minimally Invasive Surgery

You may not know that almost 12% of Indians suffer from renal stones, out of which 50% develop severe complications if left untreated. This highlights the need for effective and timely treatment of the issue. Kidney stone laser treatment is a reliable, painless, and advanced technique. 

Renal calculi or kidney stones can become the cause of extensive pain for the patients, hindering their lives. Kidney stone laser surgery offers the scope to alleviate the discomfort with a minimally invasive approach. Curious to know more? Continue reading and make informed health decisions.

Kidney stones can vary in size from small ones passing unnoticed through urine. At the same time, large calculi cause discomfort and block urine flow. It can damage the renal and urinary systems if not passed naturally. 

Kidney stone laser operation has emerged as a preferred choice due to its precision in kidney stone excision. The approach breaks the renal stones into smaller fragments by utilising advanced technology. It minimises the need for surgical removal and promotes faster recovery.

Anatomy of the Kidney

Kidney stones occur because of the crystallisation of minerals or salts facilitated by inadequate water intake. Its size, shape, and location can vary, impacting the severity and the complexity of treatment. The main anatomical parts associated with renal calculi are:

1. Kidneys: These bean-shaped organs of the spine form urine and manage blood pressure. It regulates electrolyte balance and red blood cell production. 

2. Ureters: The tubes transport urine from the kidneys with peristaltic contractions propelling it towards the bladder.

3. Urinary Bladder: A muscular, hollow organ in the pelvis that stores urine until it is expelled during urination.

4. Urethra: Responsible for eliminating urine from the bladder and, in males, also facilitates semen passage during ejaculation.

Opting for laser treatment for kidney stone removal is gaining preference due to the advanced medical aspects. The technique has enabled patients to address the following issues with complete healthcare excellence:

1. Extensive Pain: Kidney stones can cause severe discomfort and hinder urine flow. The laser approach prevents further complexities and eliminates stones from hard-to-reach areas.

2. Recurrent Symptoms: Repetitive renal calculi imply the ineffectiveness of medicines and conventional treatments. Thus, surgical intervention like laser stone removal is necessitated.  

3. Larger Stones: Removes kidney stones from 5mm to 2 cm in diameter, which cannot pass naturally through the urinary tract.

4. Obstruction: Blockages cause complications like urinary tract infections, renal damage or failure. Thus, surgery is necessary to restore normal urine flow.

5. Harder Calculi: Calcium oxalate or uric acid stones may resist dissolution through medication or dietary changes. In such cases, laser lithotripsy can be an ideal choice.

Types of Kidney Stone Laser Treatment

Different kidney stone laser treatments are available for individuals based on their conditions. It includes Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) and Flexible Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy (FURSL). Let’s look at what these approaches mean:

1. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS): A minimally invasive technique to remove kidney stones located within the renal pelvis (central area of the kidney) or calyces (cup-shaped drain). It involves the insertion of laser fibre through the ureteroscope. 

The technique breaks the stones into smaller fragments passed through urine. RIRS is known for its high success rate in treating larger stones and avoiding external incisions.

2. Flexible Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy (FURSL): FURSL uses a flexible ureteroscope to access and visualise the stone within the ureter or renal pelvis. Like RIRS, it uses laser energy to break down the stones and promote natural elimination. 

FURSL is particularly suitable for treating smaller stones in the ureter and offers minimal discomfort and a shorter recovery period.

Laser treatment for kidney stone removal is convenient and fast, making it a reliable choice. Here are some benefits of selecting laser treatment over surgical surgery are listed below:

1. Reduced Pain: A minimally invasive procedure with smaller incisions, resulting in less tissue trauma and postoperative discomfort.

2. Lower Risk of Recurrence: It removes kidney stones by targeting and breaking down underlying factors. This reduces the risk of future formation, improving the patient's overall health.

3. Faster Recovery Time: Laser treatment reduces body trauma and allows patients to resume daily routines faster.

4. Reduced Blood Loss: The approach breaks down stones without significant bleeding, eliminating the need for blood transfusions. It also minimises the risk of any other associated complications.

5. Precise Stone Targeting: Laser technology targets stones without harming healthy tissues and facilitating their easier removal.

The patient's well-being throughout the kidney laser procedure is the utmost priority for healthcare providers. To ensure holistic care and the effectiveness of the method, surgeons use some preoperative protocols. 

Before the Kidney Stone Laser Treatment

The aspects involved in preoperative preparation help determine the patient's condition, kidney stone type, size and location, etc. These factors ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.

On the Day of Laser Kidney Stone Removal 

Healthcare professionals also follow a protocol just before the procedure, which helps in the patient’s surgical preparation. These are important in terms of maintaining safety to avoid potential complications. 

RIRS and FURSL are advanced laser-based procedures that offer effective, minimally invasive, and faster recovery. Both techniques take about 1 to 2 hours to complete. The steps for these approaches are generally similar, including:

1. A thin, flexible tube and illuminated camera (ureteroscope) is inserted via urethra, bladder, and the affected kidney.

2. The surgeon uses the camera to locate and identify the stone.

3. Once the stones are identified, a laser fibre is passed through the ureteroscope. 

4. The laser energy targets and breaks the stone into smaller fragments. 

5. After the stone breaks down, the surgeon may use basket retrieval, suction, or natural stone passage through urine.

Patients can heal after the surgery within 1-2 days. The recovery focuses on managing discomfort and preventing recurrence through a healthy lifestyle.

In Hospital Recovery

Patients require immediate postoperative care and monitoring after kidney stone laser treatment to ensure proper recovery. This includes:

1. Patients are monitored in a recovery area to assess their vital signs, irritation levels, and overall condition.

2. Medication for pain may be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort experienced after the surgery.

3. Patients are generally instructed to drink adequate fluids unless there is a contraindication. This helps improve urinary flow and excrete the stone out of the body. 

At-Home Recovery

Patients are advised to make certain dietary & lifestyle modifications to minimise the risk of stone recurrence. These recommendations may include:

1. Balanced Diet: Limit the consumption of oxalate-rich foods (e.g., spinach, rhubarb, nuts). Adequate fluid intake is recommended to prevent stone formation.

2. Reduced Animal Protein: Decrease red meat, poultry, and fish consumption to minimise the risk of kidney stone recurrence.

3. Sodium Reduction: Lowering sodium intake is crucial to prevent calcium concentration and kidney stone formation.

4. Medication Compliance: Patients should adhere to their medicinal regimen as directed by their healthcare provider.

Follow-up Appointments and Monitoring of Kidney Health 

Regular follow-up appointments are important to assess treatment success and prevent complications. This may involve:

1. Imaging Studies: Periodic kidney ultrasound or CT scans detect stone recurrence and overall renal health.

2. Urine and Blood Tests: Analysis of urine composition for potential stone formation. Blood tests, such as serum creatinine, can assess kidney function and overall health.

Patients should adhere to their surgeon's post-treatment care instructions. They can seek consultation for any concerns or questions regarding the recovery process.

Although the technique is considered safe, there are specific kidney stone laser treatment side effects and complications. Here are some of the potential risks related to the procedure:

1. Infection: The risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) increases if pre-existing or unsterilised before surgery. Symptoms include fever, pain, and frequent urge to urinate.

2. Urinary Stricture: Kidney stone laser treatment can cause scarring or narrowing of the ureter or urethra. It leads to urinary stricture, causing a weak urine stream or bladder inability.

3. Postoperative Discomfort: Patients may experience mild pain or a burning sensation during urination. It lasts for 5-7 days and can be managed with medications.

Delaying kidney stone laser treatment can lead to various risks and complications. It hampers the regular life of the individuals significantly and leads to:

1. Complex Renal Calculi: Kidney stones can grow larger over time, making them harder to manage. Leaving it untreated necessitates invasive techniques like shock wave lithotripsy or open surgery.

2. Renal Damage: Stones can cause persistent obstruction and complications like hydronephrosis (swollen kidneys due to urine build-up), pyelonephritis (bacterial inflammation of the kidneys), or kidney failure.

3. Infection: Kidney stone treatment delays can cause severe systemic inflammatory responses like sepsis. It necessitates immediate medical attention to prevent fatalities.

Laser treatment for kidney stones cost in India is considered reasonable due to the advanced technology employed. The expenses associated with the procedure are subject to variations. 

It can differ based on the technique, chosen hospital or surgeon, patient's condition, and stone complexities. The table below gives an idea of the operation price.

Please note that the laser treatment for kidney stones price mentioned above is just an estimation. For accurate and updated information, you can contact HexaHealth today.

Kidney stone laser treatment is a highly effective and advanced laser energy approach. This non-invasive and precise technique offers immediate relief from pain, promoting faster healing and a high success rate. 

We at HexaHealth can help you get started with the best course of treatment for long-term relief. Our empanelled best urologists ensure effective kidney stone laser surgery with transparent pricing and overall medical guidance. Connect with our experts today and learn more!