Kidney Stone Treatment in Marathahalli, Bangalore

Kidney stone treatment in Marathahalli, Bangalore, varies based on several factors, including the stone’s location and size, whether there is pain or obstruction, and other clinical findings from imaging tests. Kidney stones are formed due to the presence of certain substances in the urine that crystallise to form stones.

A small stone can pass spontaneously without treatment and requires monitoring, analgesia, and medication when necessary. When the stone does not pass, causes persistent symptoms, obstructs urine flow, or causes infection, it will require active treatment. This can include individualised treatments such as laser kidney stone treatment, RIRS, URS, or PCNL depending on the case.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits that arise from the crystallisation of some materials in the urine in the urinary tract. The most prevalent type is calcium stones, while other forms include uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones, each of which is caused by specific factors. It can either be lodged in the kidney or move to the ureter.

The terms ‘kidney stone’ and ‘ureteric stone’ tell about the stone’s location. Some smaller stones can pass through the urinary tract without a procedure. Others may remain in place or cause obstruction and ongoing symptoms, in which case kidney stone removal surgery may be considered.

Causes and Risk Factors

Kidney stone formation might be influenced by a variety of factors. These include:

• Low fluid intake
• Excessive salt intake
• Certain dietary patterns
• Family history of kidney stones
• Recurrent urinary infections
• Obesity and some metabolic conditions
• Abnormalities of the urinary tract
• Certain medicines and medical conditions

Having had a kidney stone before can also increase the chance of developing another one.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

A kidney stone may cause no symptoms while it remains in the kidney. Symptoms often develop when the stone moves into the ureter or interferes with urine drainage. The symptoms vary depending on the location of the stone and the degree of obstruction of urine flow. Some of the most common signs are as follows:

• Sharp pain in the lower back or side
• Cramping or intermittent pain
• Painful or difficult urination
• Sharp pain travelling from the lower back to the groin area
• Urine containing blood
• The urge for frequent urination
• Feeling sick, accompanied by or without vomiting
• Fever or chills
• Reduced urination

If one has a fever or chills and signs of urinary blockage, one should seek medical assistance. An obstructed urinary tract with infection can become a serious condition and requires urgent treatment.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

The assessment starts with a discussion of symptoms, past experiences of having stones, medical background and medications, and ends with a physical examination. The urologist may order tests to determine the stone’s location and whether it is obstructing the flow of urine.

Some of the tests that could be carried out depending on the situation are as follows:

• Urinary test and Urinary culture
• Blood tests, including kidney function tests
• Kidney Ultrasound and Urinary Tract Ultrasound
• CT scan if further information regarding the stone is needed.

All the above tests would be helpful in determining the stone’s size and location, as well as whether there is any obstruction in the urinary tract. All these factors play an essential role when deciding kidney stone treatment in Marathahalli, Bangalore.

Kidney Stone Treatment Options

The treatment method is based on the stone’s size and position, its symptoms, urinary obstruction, the presence of an infection, and kidney function. Small stones can be passed with observation, drugs, and fluids. In case of removal, minimally invasive kidney stone surgery in Bangalore involves RIRS, PCNL, or ureteroscopy.

• RIRS – Retrograde Intrarenal SurgeryRIRS uses a flexible scope through the urinary passage to reach kidney or upper ureteric stones. A laser breaks the stone into smaller fragments for removal or natural passage. RIRS surgery in Bangalore may be considered for selected stones. As a form of laser kidney stone treatment, it does not require an external incision. A temporary stent may be placed if needed.
• PCNL – Percutaneous NephrolithotomyPCNL is mainly used for large or complex kidney stones. Instruments are passed through a small opening in the back to break and remove the stone. PCNL treatment for kidney stones may be considered for high-volume or staghorn stones. It is performed under anaesthesia and usually requires hospital observation.
• Ureteroscopy and Laser LithotripsyUreteroscopy is used for ureteric stones and selected kidney stones. A scope is passed through the urinary passage to reach the stone. During ureteroscopy for kidney stones, laser lithotripsy breaks the stone into smaller pieces for removal. A temporary stent may be used when required.
• Ureteric StentingA ureteric stent is a thin tube placed between the kidney and bladder to help urine drain. It may be used before or after kidney stone removal surgery when the ureter is blocked or needs support. Temporary frequency, urgency, discomfort or blood in the urine may occur.

Treatment of Hydronephrosis and Ureteric Obstruction

Hydronephrosis is swelling of the kidney caused by reduced urine drainage. Stones, ureteric narrowing and other conditions can cause it. It is also essential to understand that hydronephrosis treatment varies depending on the underlying cause, the extent of urine flow obstruction, and kidney function.

If there is an obstruction caused by infection, immediate drainage is necessary, followed by treatment of the infection. Stone removal is generally performed after the infection is controlled.

Recovery After Kidney Stone Treatment

Recovery varies with the procedure and the patient’s condition. Take medicines and fluids as advised, and follow up as recommended. Stents may cause temporary urinary symptoms. Further imaging or tests may be recommended to assess recovery and ensure stone clearance.

Any presence of fever, increasing pain, significant bleeding in the urine or problems with urination needs medical care.

Why Choose Dr Sanhitha Purushotham for Kidney Stone Treatment?

Dr Sanhitha Purushotham is a Consultant Urologist with an MCh in Urology. The areas she specialises in include endourology and kidney stone treatment.

• Consultant Urologist with an MCh in Urology: Specialist care for a variety of urological disorders.
• Endourology & Kidney Stone Treatment: Deals with the management of kidney and bladder stones with compassionate care. Treatment is based on the patient’s condition.
• Experienced in RIRS, PCNL, ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy: Uses these established procedures for suitable kidney and ureteric stones.
• Experience in minimally invasive urological procedures: Minimally invasive techniques are used where appropriate.
• Treatment procedure plan explanation: Information on the available procedures is provided, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
• Treatment procedure tailored to the patient’s needs: The procedure to be performed is based on the type of stone and the patient’s health condition.
• Convenient place of consultation at Marathahalli: Consultations are provided at Marathahalli to patients in the area and surrounding areas.

If you are a patient seeking treatment for kidney stones in Marathahalli, Bangalore, you may consult Dr Sanhitha Purushotham.