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Can Laser Surgery Treat Ureteric Stones? A Guide from a Urology Clinic in HSR Layout
Updated: 4 days ago
Stones in the ureters are known to lead to painful urination. These develop due to the congregation of minerals in the kidneys that then move through the ureters, which are passageways for transporting urine from the kidneys to the bladder. While some small stones pass naturally others may require treatment.
Laser surgery is one of the treatment options for ureteric stones that fit the criteria. For those who want to know about Urology Clinic in HSR Layout, learning about the symptoms, treatment options, and recovery period will be of much help.
What Are Ureteric Stones?
Ureteric stones are mineral deposits that get stuck in the ureter.They may form in the kidney. Head towards the urinary tract. Based on the size and position, they will.
Symptoms could include:
Pain perceived in the side, back, or abdomen area
Pain extending to the groin region
Blood present in the urine
Vomiting
Frequent or painful urination
Difficulty passing urine
Some stones might cause minor symptoms initially, but other stones might be causing severe pain. The physical examination is likely to give information regarding the position and size of stones in the body.
Is It Possible to Use Laser Surgery for Ureteric Stones?
Yes. Laser surgery can be successfully employed in treating ureteric stones, especially where there is no chance that the stone will pass spontaneously or where it has resulted in symptoms or obstruction.
One of the procedures is ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy. Here, a doctor inserts an instrument through the urinary tract to the stone and uses a laser to break the stone into pieces that can either be removed or left to pass spontaneously according to the case.
It all depends on the size of the stone, its location, the extent of obstruction, and the general condition of the patient. Not all ureteric stones need surgery.
When Does Laser Surgery Become Necessary for Ureteric Stones?
The following cases might require laser surgery from a urologist.
The Stone Is Too Large to Pass
Small stones may pass through the urinary tract without surgery. Larger stones are less likely to pass. Procedure may be needed to remove or break them up.
You Have Consistent Pain
When you have ongoing pain on the side of your back or lower stomach area, it might be because a stone is blocking the ureter.
The Stone Blocks Urine Flow
The ureteric stone blocks the flow of urine from the kidney. It may cause some functional problem to the kidney if not treated on time.
The Stone Does Not Respond to Treatments
In case the above measures fail, one may opt for laser surgery based on the nature of the stone and the patient’s condition.
The Stone Causes Recurrent Complications
Recurrent UTIs and other stone-related problems will call for treatment as well. A case of an infected urinary system with a blockage calls for immediate drainage and administration of antibiotics prior to the final treatment of stones.
Urology Clinic in HSR Layout: How Does Laser Surgery Take Place?
In a Urology Clinic in HSR Layout, patients with suspected cases of stones undergo an assessment that aims at confirming the presence of the condition and finding out the best way of managing it.
The assessment involves performing urine tests, blood tests and either ultrasound or CT scans depending on the needs of the patient.
The procedure during ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy involves:
Administration of anesthesia.
Passing of a thin scope through the urethra to the ureter.
The urologist locates the stone. Uses a laser to break it into smaller pieces.
Stone fragments may be removed using instruments.
A temporary ureteric stent is inserted to help with urine drainage and facilitate healing where needed.
This is generally done without making an incision
What Are the Advantages of Using Laser for Ureteric Stones?
Advantages of using a laser procedure include the following:
Fragmentation of the stone: the laser is capable of breaking up the stone.
No external cuts: usually, the surgery is done without making cuts outside the body.
Treatment of hard-to-treat stones: a procedure suitable to treat different stones that cannot be treated otherwise.
Relief of obstruction: the removal of the stone might provide relief in some cases.
Treatment: the choice of the treatment option depends on the location and size of the stone.
As any procedure, laser surgery comes with certain risks. These complications include bleeding, infection, ureter injury, pain, and need for treatment.
Your urologist will explain the advantages and disadvantages associated with your situation.
What Is the Recovery Process in Laser Surgery?
The recovery after laser surgery will depend upon the size and site of the stone and the general health of the patient.
Some patients return to their normal activity quickly after laser surgery, whereas some patients take time to recover.
When it comes to the insertion of a ureteric stent, the patient might complain of frequent urination, pain, and hematuria.
General recovery guidance includes:
The fluid and activity requirements will be as per the doctors’ instructions.
Medication will be taken as prescribed.
Appointments with the doctor for follow-ups will be maintained.
If stenting was done, then the schedule for its removal should also be followed accordingly.
Fever that causes pain, continuous vomiting and problems with urination should be brought to the attention of the doctor.
It must be remembered that follow-up appointments must be maintained because sometimes imaging studies need to be done to see if there is clearance of stones and proper urination.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Ureteric Stones?
Though stones tend to recur, some things can be done to minimize the chances of developing them:
Consume plenty of fluids provided your doctor has not restricted your fluid intake.
Restrict the consumption of salty foods.
Stick to a diet which suits your ureteric stones.
Take any test recommended by the specialist in order to understand the reason for your ureteric stones.
If you have ureteric stones, then take need of the guidance provided by the experts.
This is since ureteric stones can be caused by various factors and hence need specific preventive measures.
When Do You Need to See a Urologist?
You should see a urologist if you are having constant pain on your sides or back, presence of blood in your urine, painful micturition or any symptoms suggesting presence of kidney or ureteric stones.
You should consult a physician if you are having fever or chills in addition to stones, difficulty in passing urine or having severe pain with persistent vomiting. The mentioned symptoms could require some treatment.
If you want to find a Urology Clinic in HSR Layout then see a urologist who will help you diagnose your ureteric stone problem, will suggest treatment options and will give you proper follow up.
Conclusion
Ureteric stones can be treated by laser surgery in many cases particularly when your ureteric stones are too big to pass on their own and are causing constant pain or blockage. Getting the diagnosis early and treatment is very important.
If you want to know more about your treatment options for ureteric stones then visit a Urology Clinic in HSR Layout. Dr Caranj S. Venugopal can be mentioned as the doctor to contact for guidance with verified clinic details added before publication.
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