For many patients facing the discomfort and pain of kidney stones, surgery may be a recommended course of action when other treatments have failed. Understanding the different types of surgical options available can be a crucial step towards recovery. This post aims to demystify the process, focusing on non-robotic kidney stone surgeries such as laser surgery, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Surgery is typically considered when:

  • The stone causes constant pain

  • There is a blockage of urine flow

  • There is an infection

  • The stone is too large to pass on its own

Dr Deanne has extensive expertise and training in managing conditions that affect the kidneys.

Stones Surgery

  • Laser surgery for kidney stones involves a procedure called ureteroscopy. Here’s what you need to know:

    Process: A small scope is inserted into the urethra and passed up through the bladder to the stone. A laser is then used to break the stone into smaller pieces that can be removed or pass out of the body in urine.

    Recovery Time: Patients can usually go home on the same day and return to normal activities within 2-3 days.

    Benefits: It's highly effective for stones located in the ureter and does not require any incisions.

  • ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) is a non-invasive treatment that uses shock waves to break kidney stones into tiny pieces that can be passed naturally through the urinary tract. Here are the key points:

    Process: High-energy shock waves are directed at the stone from a machine outside the body. The procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

    Recovery Time: Recovery is quick, with most patients resuming normal activities in a couple of days.

    Benefits: ESWL is suitable for stones that are not too large and is non-invasive.

  • For larger stones, or when alternative treatments are not successful, Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may be the preferred choice.

    Process: Through a small incision in the back, the surgeon uses a nephroscope to extract the kidney stone.

    Recovery Time: Patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days, with complete recovery spanning several weeks.

    Benefits: PCNL is exceptionally effective for removing large stones, often achieving complete stone clearance in a single procedure.

Stones Surgeries