Kidney stones are a condition related to the accumulation of stones in the urinary system. They can often remain asymptomatic until the stones increase in size, leading to severe pain. It is important to understand the modern methods of treating kidney stones. How can a urologist help patients?
- Kidney stone treatment in London
- Removing kidney stones – what you should know
- Treatment of kidney stones with modern methods
Kidney stone treatment in London
If you experience kidney colic or pain while urinating and you live in the UK capital, a urologist in London can help diagnose the problem. The role of the urologist in treating kidney stones is crucial. It begins with diagnostics. It is recommended to schedule a urological consultation with an ultrasound examination, which precedes the appropriate therapeutic procedure. Kidney stones form from minerals filtered by the kidneys, which then accumulate into deposits. They can block the urinary tract, and in extreme cases, cause urine retention, which is why proper prevention and early diagnosis are essential when symptoms appear. In London, kidney stone treatment starts with a detailed ultrasound. A urologist can detect the presence of a stone in the kidney or upper or lower parts of the ureter. Ultrasound may reveal signs of a blockage in the kidney, indicating the presence of a stone, tumor, or narrowing of the ureter. The urologist looks for shadows in the urinary system images that indicate the presence of deposits. Along with ultrasound, X-ray imaging can help detect kidney stones. If the patient qualifies for surgery, urography and contrast-enhanced CT scans are performed to assess the entire urinary system’s function.
Removing kidney stones – what you should know
Therapies for kidney stones may involve breaking them up and removing them. Initially, conservative treatment is used for small kidney stones. This involves encouraging the body to produce more urine, often referred to as “water shocks.” For larger kidney stones, surgical treatment is necessary. If kidney stones are up to 1 cm in size, they can be broken down. The modern method used is ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy). This technique generates a shock wave directed at the stone using ultrasound or X-ray. However, its effectiveness is not guaranteed as it depends on factors such as the size, hardness of the stone, and the patient’s cooperation during the procedure. It’s important to note that shallow breathing is required to limit kidney movement during the procedure. The procedure may have complications, including kidney colic, which might require surgical intervention. Open surgeries are now rarely performed, with modern methods being more commonly used.
Treatment of kidney stones with modern methods
One of the modern methods is to access the stones through the lower urinary tract or by puncturing the kidney and enlarging the puncture. The stones are then crushed and removed. Ureterorenoscopy involves inserting a thin instrument with optics into the urinary system. Once a stone is detected, it can be crushed using a laser, ultrasonic, or pneumatic device. The fragments are then extracted using forceps or a basket. Stone crushing through percutaneous puncture of the kidney is used for larger stones and involves placing a nephrostomy drain. Pain localized in the lower back, radiating towards the bladder, is a clear indication for a urological consultation. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bloating, burning during urination, and hematuria (blood in urine). Patients with such symptoms should immediately consult a specialist and undergo necessary tests like an ultrasound of the urinary system. If the stones are composed of uric acid rather than oxalates or phosphates, pharmacological treatment may be possible.
To prevent kidney stones, proper diet and hydration are essential. This is one condition that we can contribute to by neglecting these factors. It’s important to adopt good eating habits, avoid foods rich in oxalates, and drink plenty of water. For individuals prone to kidney stones, this means drinking 2 to 2.5 liters of water daily. If you experience symptoms of kidney stones and live in London, schedule a consultation with a urologist at SW11 Clinic immediately.