Top Kidney Stone Treatments By A Leading Kidney Doctor

 The bean-shaped organs called kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining human health. They aid in maintaining the body's acid-base balance, controlling blood pressure, and controlling the production of blood (erythropoietin), in addition to filtering blood and creating urine. They may suffer from a variety of issues or illnesses, such as the development of stones, cancer, or kidney failure. Fortunately, all of these issues are now easily resolved in the modern era of medicine.

In this blog, Dr. Niren Rao, a kidney doctor in Delhi, has given a few tips to prevent kidney stones by modifying some lifestyle habits and has also explained the treatment options one can opt for to get them removed.

Habits One can Adapt to Prevent the Formation of Kidney Stones

Adopting specific habits and making changes to one's lifestyle can help prevent kidney stones. Here are some recommendations that could lower the possibility of developing kidney stones:

1. Stay Hydrated
   
   

Maintaining a proper urine volume and avoiding the concentration of minerals that can cause stone formation requires staying hydrated throughout the day. Aim to consume 8 to 10 glasses of water each day, or more if you live in a warm climate or engage in strenuous exercise.

2. Follow a Balanced Diet

Consume a varied diet of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to maintain a well-balanced diet. Foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, and chocolate, should be less consumed. Reduce your intake of animal protein and sodium (salt), both of which raise your risk of developing certain kidney stones.

3. Limit Sodium Intake

Consuming too much sodium can cause your urine to contain more calcium, which could lead to the development of stones. Consume fewer packaged and processed foods that are high in sodium, and refrain from seasoning your food with extra salt.

4. Watch Your Oxalate Intake
   
   

Limiting foods high in oxalate may be beneficial if you have a history of calcium oxalate stones. Remember that these foods' oxalate content can be decreased by cooking or boiling them. It's important to keep in mind that dietary adjustments may not be enough, so it's best to speak with a urologist for specific advice.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight
   
   

Kidney stones are more likely to develop in people who are overweight and obese. Eat a balanced diet and engage in regular exercise to keep your weight at a healthy level.

6. Be Aware of Certain Supplements and Medications
   
   

Some prescription drugs and dietary supplements, including some diuretics, calcium-based antacids, and high doses of vitamin C, can cause stones to form. If you have any questions about the possible side effects of these medications and supplements, consult your doctor. 

7. Stay Active
   
   

Maintaining a regular exercise routine can lower the risk of kidney stones and help maintain overall health. On most days of the week, try to get in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise.

Kidney Stone Treatments Offered at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice

1. PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)
   
   

The most widely used minimally invasive kidney stone treatment is PCNL, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy. It is frequently used for stones larger than 2 cm and can be carried out while under spinal or general anesthesia. A small incision less than 1 cm long is made on the back or flank, and then a pathway into the kidney is established through it, leading up to the stone. The kidney stone is then broken up into small pieces and removed using a nephroscope. After that, a DJ stent is implanted in the kidney, which can be taken out a week later. The patient must be admitted to the hospital and must remain there for one to two days. 

2. MINI and Ultra PCNL
   
   

Mini and ultra mini PCNL are the real keyhole surgeries because of the improvements in methods and the miniaturization of instruments. Smaller probes and lasers can be used in these procedures to remove stones as small as 7-8 mm (provided they are visible in X-rays). Patients can return to their regular jobs as soon as they recover from surgery because the post-operative recovery period is short, there is less blood loss, and the hospital stay is brief.

3. RIRS (Retrograde Intra-Renal Surgery)
   
   

In this procedure, a flexible ureteroscope is inserted directly into the kidney through the urinary passage, the bladder, and the kidney. Under the direct vision and a holmium laser, kidney stones can be broken up into tiny pieces and extracted using tiny baskets. In this procedure, no skin incision is made. For the removal of stones from challenging areas inside the kidney, this technique is particularly helpful.

4. URS (Uretero-Renoscopy)
   
   

This procedure is used to remove stones from the ureters, the small tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. The rigid ureteroscope is as thin as a pen and is used to perform the procedure. No skin incision is made as the ureteroscope is passed through the urinary tract. The stone is broken up into smaller pieces using a pneumatic lithoclast or a Holmium laser once the ureteroscope has reached the stone. Using forceps, the stone pieces are separated into pieces. After the procedure, a stent, which is merely a safety device, is inserted into the ureter. A week after installation, the stent is removed via the urinary tract.

To get an effective kidney stone treatment in Delhi, schedule an appointment with Dr. Niren Rao today at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Hospital.

Source: https://nirenrao.wordpress.com/2023/05/23/top-kidney-stone-treatments-by-a-leading-kidney-doctor/