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Several surgical procedures are available to treat kidney stones when they cannot pass naturally. Kidney stones are hard deposits made from minerals and waste products that form in the kidneys. While many stones pass on their own, larger stones may require medical treatment or surgery to remove them.
If a kidney stone is too large to pass, causes severe pain, blocks the flow of urine, or leads to repeated urinary tract infections, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment. During a consultation, your physician will evaluate the size, location, and type of stone to determine the most appropriate treatment option.
Kidney stones develop when minerals and waste products in the urine crystallize and form solid deposits. These stones may begin very small but can grow larger as additional minerals attach to them over time.
Most kidney stones pass naturally through the urinary tract, but larger stones can cause significant pain and complications. In these cases, surgical treatment may be necessary to remove or break apart the stone so it can pass more easily.
Several procedures may be used to treat kidney stones depending on their size, location, and severity. Common surgical treatments include:
Ureteroscopy
Shock wave lithotripsy
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy or nephrolithotripsy
Open surgery (rarely used today)
Ureteroscopy is a procedure used to treat stones located in the ureter or kidney. During this procedure, the physician inserts a thin, flexible scope through the urethra and bladder to reach the stone.
A small basket may be used to remove the stone, or a laser may be used to break larger stones into smaller fragments. This procedure does not require external incisions. Patients are typically under anesthesia and can usually return home the same day.
A temporary ureteral stent may be placed to help urine flow from the kidney to the bladder. This stent is typically removed during a follow-up visit. Possible risks are uncommon but may include infection, bleeding, or narrowing of the ureter.
Open surgery for kidney stones is rarely performed today but may be recommended in certain cases. This option may be used if a stone is extremely large, if other treatments have not been successful, or if there are complications such as severe infection or bleeding.
During open surgery, the physician makes an incision in the side of the body to access the kidney and remove the stone directly. A stent may be placed to help drain urine while the body heals. Because this is a more invasive procedure, patients may need to remain in the hospital for several days during recovery.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy or nephrolithotripsy is commonly used for large kidney stones or stones that cannot be treated successfully with other methods.
During this procedure, the physician makes a small incision in the back or side and inserts a thin scope directly into the kidney. If the stone is removed through the tube, the procedure is called nephrolithotomy. If the stone is broken into smaller pieces using sound waves or a laser before removal, it is called nephrolithotripsy.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia and typically lasts between 20 and 45 minutes. Patients may remain in the hospital for about two days after surgery. A temporary stent may be placed to help urine drain properly during recovery.
After the procedure, imaging tests such as an X-ray or ultrasound may be performed to ensure that all stones have been removed. Some stone fragments may also be analyzed to determine their composition, which can help guide future prevention.
Possible risks include infection, bleeding, or injury to the kidney.
The best treatment option depends on several factors, including the size and location of the kidney stone, the severity of symptoms, and your overall health. During your consultation, your physician will review the available options and discuss the advantages and potential risks of each procedure.
Working closely with your doctor will help ensure that you choose the treatment approach that is most appropriate for your condition and your personal health goals.
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