When Do Kidney Stones Require Surgery?
While many kidney stones can pass naturally with medication and fluids, larger or obstructive stones often require surgical treatment. If the stone is causing severe pain, infection, or urinary blockage, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive procedure to remove or break up the stone.
At MedicalPoint Hospital, we offer a full spectrum of advanced, safe, and minimally invasive options tailored to each patient’s condition and comfort.
1. Ureteroscopy
Best for:
- Small to medium stones located in the ureters or kidney collecting system
How it works:
- No incisions are made. Instruments are passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter.
- A thin, flexible scope with a camera (ureteroscope) is used to locate the stone.
- Smaller stones are removed using a tiny basket.
- Larger stones are broken up with a laser (Holmium:YAG) and then passed naturally or extracted.
Aftercare:
- A temporary ureteral stent (a small plastic tube) is often placed to keep the ureter open.
- Stents are usually removed within 1–2 weeks.
- Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
2. Shock-Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)
Best for:
- Small to moderate stones in the kidney or upper ureter
How it works:
- SWL uses high-energy sound waves to break stones into tiny fragments.
- The fragments are then passed through urine over the next few days or weeks.
- The procedure is non-invasive and typically lasts about 60 minutes.
Things to consider:
- Some patients may require mild sedation or pain relief.
- Multiple sessions may be needed for larger or harder stones.
Not suitable for patients who:
- Are pregnant
- Have uncontrolled infections or high blood pressure
- Have bleeding disorders
- Have anatomical abnormalities or very dense stones (e.g., cystine stones)
3. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Best for:
- Large, multiple, or complex stones in the kidney
- Stones resistant to other treatments
How it works:
- A small incision is made in the patient’s back.
- A nephroscope is inserted directly into the kidney.
- The stone is broken up and removed through the access point.
- The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
Aftercare:
- May require a short hospital stay (1–3 days).
- A temporary drainage tube or stent may be placed to assist healing.
- Full recovery typically occurs within 1–2 weeks.
Understanding the Side Effects of Kidney Stone Treatments
Medication Side Effects (e.g., Medical Expulsive Therapy)
Drugs used to relax the ureters or dissolve uric acid stones may cause:
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Sinus congestion or runny nose
- Ejaculatory changes (usually temporary and reversible)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- High fever or chills
- Intense, unrelieved pain
- Large blood clots in urine
- Inability to eat or drink
Common Post-Procedure Side Effects
After undergoing a surgical or minimally invasive procedure for kidney stone removal—such as ureteroscopy, shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)—it’s common to experience a range of temporary side effects as your body heals. Most of these symptoms are mild and resolve within a few days to weeks. However, knowing what to expect can ease anxiety and help you recognize when something may require medical attention.
- Burning or Stinging During Urination
Mild discomfort or a burning sensation when urinating is one of the most frequently reported side effects following kidney stone treatment. This is usually caused by irritation of the urethra and bladder lining from surgical instruments or the passage of small residual stone fragments. The burning sensation typically improves within 24 to 72 hours after the procedure. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out the urinary system and reduce this discomfort.
- Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
It’s normal to notice pink- or red-tinted urine for the first few days after a procedure. This condition, known as hematuria, results from minor trauma to the urinary tract lining during stone removal. As healing progresses, the color of the urine should gradually return to normal. If the urine becomes bright red, contains large clots, or bleeding persists beyond 3–4 days, you should contact your healthcare provider.
- Increased Urinary Frequency and Urgency
You may feel the need to urinate more often, even if your bladder isn’t full. This symptom is generally due to temporary inflammation of the bladder or urethra following the procedure. In most cases, it resolves within a few days. However, if urgency is accompanied by burning, fever, or foul-smelling urine, this could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) and should be evaluated.
- Discomfort Near the Surgical Site
If your procedure involved a small incision (as in PCNL) or endoscopic access (as in ureteroscopy), it’s normal to feel mild pain or soreness in the lower back, abdomen, or groin. This discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or as prescribed by your doctor. Avoiding strenuous activity during the first few days post-procedure can also help minimize soreness.
- Stent-Related Symptoms
If a ureteral stent was placed during your procedure (a soft tube that helps urine drain from the kidney to the bladder), you may experience a unique set of symptoms known as stent syndrome. These can include:
- A constant urge to urinate
- Pressure in the lower abdomen or bladder area
- Mild pain radiating to the groin or flank
- Bladder spasms or leakage These symptoms typically resolve once the stent is removed, which is usually scheduled within a few days to a few weeks, depending on your procedure and healing progress.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While the above side effects are common and usually harmless, you should seek prompt medical advice if you experience:
- Fever over 38.5°C (101.3°F)
- Persistent or severe abdominal or flank pain
- Inability to urinate or empty your bladder
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Signs of infection such as chills, nausea, or cloudy urine
Post-Procedure Support at MedicalPoint
Our Urology team at MedicalPoint Hospital is dedicated to ensuring your recovery is as smooth and complication-free as possible. We offer comprehensive post-operative care, patient education, and 24/7 access to expert support in case of any concerns.
Possible Complications (Rare but Serious)
All surgical procedures carry a low risk of complications. Potential issues include:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) or sepsis
- Bleeding requiring transfusion
- Injury to the kidney, bladder, or ureter
- Ureteral strictures (narrowing from scarring)
- Incomplete stone removal (requiring repeat procedures)
- Recurrence of kidney stones over time
Your surgeon will discuss risks and how to minimize them based on your health status and procedure type.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Contact your doctor or seek emergency care if you experience:
- Fever higher than 38.5°C (101.3°F)
- Uncontrolled or worsening pain
- Heavy bleeding in urine for more than 72 hours
- Difficulty urinating or complete urinary blockage
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting
- Pus, redness, or fluid leakage from the surgical site
Prompt treatment reduces the risk of complications and speeds recovery.
Expert Kidney Stone Care at MedicalPoint
At MedicalPoint Hospital, our Urology Department specializes in:
- Accurate diagnosis using CT, ultrasound, and metabolic testing
- Minimally invasive treatment options, including laser and robotic-assisted techniques
- Comprehensive follow-up to prevent recurrence
- Individualized treatment plans based on stone type, size, and your lifestyle
Book a Consultation Today
Take the next step toward a pain-free life. Contact MedicalPoint to discuss the best treatment for your kidney stones—and start your journey back to optimal urinary health.
WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT
Life During and After IVF Treatment: What Patients Should Know
Prostate Cancer Treatment in Turkey
Coronary CT Angiography: Advanced Non-Invasive Imaging for Heart and Coronary Artery Health
