Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside kidneys and may move down the urinary tract. They can lead to severe pain and discomfort, however, they are rarely known to cause permanent damage to kidneys. Patients with kidney stones should seek immediate medical consultation with experienced urology surgeons and doctors. Self-medication should be avoided as it can worsen the situation. Below, top concerns of kidney stone patients have been answered by experts at HJ Hospitals.

1. Do I need to undergo invasive surgery for stone removal?

Factors like the stone size and its location define the course of treatment. Most of the urinary stones are so small that they can be easily passed out through urine with the right medication and treatment. Larger stones need to be broken down into smaller pieces so that they can move down the urinary tract without causing much discomfort. For this, non-invasive techniques like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or minimally-invasive techniques such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) or ureteroscopy can be carried out.

Urology experts at HJ Hospitals, aided by state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure, have successfully treated thousands of kidney stone patients in Congo and abroad. Seek medical consultation from our top urology surgeons to find the right treatment method for you and avoid the chances of undergoing major surgery.

2. What are the chances of kidney stone recurrence?

The chances of stone formation are higher in people with a history of kidney stones. Therefore, such patients should seek regular medical consultation to prevent a recurrence. Consult our doctors to receive customised dietary plans and related counselling.

3. Are there any measures that I can follow to prevent stone formation?

The chances of stone formation can be reduced by drinking plenty of water, cutting down sodium intake and maintaining healthy body weight. Calcium and oxalate-rich foods should be consumed only as per the doctor’s advice. Kidney stone patients should also get their stone analysed. This will help in identifying the stone type so that future medication and prevention guidelines can be customised accordingly. Urology surgeons at HJ Hospitals offer post-treatment counselling to help patients prevent the recurrence of kidney stones.

4. Can kidney stones affect the health of my kidney?

Kidney stones can cause excruciating pain but they rarely lead to any severe complications. In most cases, no kidney damage is observed. However, if the stone blocks the urine pathway, kidney infection or damage may occur. This can be avoided by regular monitoring and prompt treatment. Thus, if you observe any signs or symptoms of kidney stones, seek immediate medical consultation to eliminate the chances of total damage.

The Bottom Line

Kidney stones are one of the most critical pain-causing health conditions. In case you experience pain or discomfort, avoid consuming painkillers without the doctor’s advice. One can seek teleconsultation by dialling HJ Hospitals helpline numbers and know about first-aid medication.

Due to our rapidly changing lifestyle and dietary habits, the risk of stone formation is also increasing exponentially. However, treatment methods and medical technology have also advanced over time to offer better healthcare facilities. Seek expert consultation at HJ Hospitals and avail the best in class healthcare services.