Urinary Tract and Kidney Stone Surgery: What You Need to Know
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Overview
Urinary tract and kidney stone surgery is a treatment approach used to remove stones that form in the urinary system—typically in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder—when they are too large to pass naturally or cause complications. Surgery may be necessary when stones block the urinary flow, cause persistent pain, lead to infection, or affect kidney function. Modern surgical methods range from minimally invasive procedures like ureteroscopy and shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) to advanced techniques such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and, rarely, open surgery.
What Are Urinary Tract and Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits, most commonly made of calcium or uric acid, that form when waste products in the urine crystallize. These stones can vary in size and shape, and while small ones may pass without issue, larger stones can get lodged in the urinary tract, leading to severe pain or obstruction.
Common causes of kidney and urinary stones include:
- Dehydration
- High-sodium or high-oxalate diets
- Certain metabolic or genetic conditions
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
When Is Surgery Needed?
Kidney or urinary tract stone surgery may be necessary under the following conditions:
- Stones larger than 10 mm (1 cm) that cannot pass naturally
- Severe pain that does not respond to medication
- Obstruction of urine flow from kidneys to bladder
- Recurrent urinary tract infections caused by stones
- Kidney function impairment due to prolonged blockage
- Presence of stones in both kidneys or a single functional kidney
- Stones combined with active infection or sepsis
Common causes of kidney and urinary stones include:
- Dehydration
- High-sodium or high-oxalate diets
- Certain metabolic or genetic conditions
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
Types of Kidney Stone Surgery
Treatment choice depends on the stone’s size, location, shape, patient’s anatomy, and overall health. Here are the main surgical options:
- Ureteroscopy (URS)
A minimally invasive procedure where a small scope is inserted through the urethra to reach and remove or break down the stone using a laser. It does not require any incision and is ideal for stones in the ureters or kidneys.
Advantages:
- No incisions
- Short recovery time
- Outpatient or short hospital stay
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Used for larger or complex kidney stones. A small incision is made in the back to access the kidney, and a nephroscope is used to break and remove stones.
Advantages:
- Effective for large stones
- Can remove multiple stones in one procedure
- Shorter hospital stay than open surgery
- Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)
A non-invasive method using high-energy sound waves to break stones into small pieces, which are then passed naturally through urine.
Best for:
- Small to medium-sized stones
- Patients who prefer non-surgical methods
- Laparoscopic Surgery
Used for patients who may require stone removal along with correction of anatomical issues. It involves small abdominal incisions and a camera-guided procedure.
Advantages:
- Less pain
- Faster recovery than open surgery
- Open Surgery
Now rarely performed, open stone surgery may still be used for highly complex or recurrent cases where other techniques are ineffective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Kidney Stones Come Back?
- Drinking at least 2–3 liters of water daily
- Following a stone-specific diet
- Monitoring urine pH and composition
- Regular follow-up with a urologist
Can Small Stones Pass Naturally?
Stones smaller than 5 mm often pass without surgery under medical supervision. Pain relief and hydration are usually sufficient, but larger stones or those stuck in the ureter may require intervention.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery depends on the type of procedure:
- URS or SWL: Return to normal activity in 1–3 days
- PCNL or laparoscopy: Recovery may take 1–2 weeks
- Open surgery: May require a longer hospital stay and 4–6 weeks of recovery
Follow-up imaging and urine tests help confirm complete removal and guide prevention strategies.
When to See a Urologist
You should consult a specialist if you experience:
- Severe flank or lower abdominal pain
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Recurrent urinary infections
- Difficulty urinating or painful urination
- Fever with suspected stone symptoms
Conclusion
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Urology Center
The Department of Urology is structured to cover each sub-branch of urology. In our department, in addition to all urological diseases in the field of cancer, prostate diseases, stone diseases, and applications related to women’s and children’s urology are meticulously applied by specialist physicians.
