Kidney Stones Procedures

Minerals sometimes crystallize in kidneys and form solid deposits referred to as "stones."

Kidney stones can affect all parts of the urinary tract, from the kidneys themselves to the tubes that connect the kidney to the bladder (ureter), and even the bladder itself. These stones sometimes pass spontaneously or with the help of medication.

Other times, symptoms are persistent and serious enough for a urologist to recommend one or more of the following kidney stone procedures.

Ureteroscopy

Often used for smaller kidney stones

Outpatient procedure with flexible scope

Laser may break stones into fragments

Smaller kidney stones are often treated with ureteroscopy. It’s an outpatient procedure that uses a flexible scope with a high definition lens. When stones are discovered, a laser is often used to break up the stones, and they may be removed with a small wire basket or allowed to pass spontaneously.

Percutaneous Surgery

Removal of Larger Kidney Stones Through a Keyhole Incision

Larger stones may be removed with percutaneous surgery, a procedure involving removal of kidney stones through a keyhole incision in the back. A CT scan is done prior to the procedure to confirm the location of the stone(s).

Utilizing special instruments, large stones are broken into small fragments and mechanically removed from the kidney.

Drainage tubes are sometimes left in the kidney after the procedure.

The stone fragments may be tested to determine composition or infection.

A CT scan is performed prior to surgery to confirm stone location.

Larger stones are accessed through a small incision in the back.

Percutaneous techniques are used when stones are too large for simpler treatments.

Laser Lithotripsy

Breaks kidney stones apart using a laser.

Dust-sized particles may pass naturally.

Larger fragments may be removed with basket.

Used during ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

This procedure involves breaking kidney stones apart with a laser. The stones, if fragmented into dust-sized particles, may be allowed to naturally pass out of the body, while the larger ones are removed using a specialized basket. Laser lithotripsy is used both during ureteroscopy and during percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Shock waves are used to break kidney stones.

Procedure is guided by X-ray or ultrasound imaging.

Patient rests on a water-filled cushion.

A stent may be placed before treatment.

With shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), strong vibrations called shock waves are used to break up kidney stones so they can pass through the body in urine. Guided by an X-ray or ultrasound, a urologist performs SWL while the patient rests on a water-filled cushion. The shock waves are then passed through the body to break up the stones. A stent may be placed prior to SWL to keep the ureter open and allow the broken pieces to pass through without causing any blockages.

Prevention and Follow-Up

Preventative Measures

The risk of developing kidney stones can sometimes be reduced with preventative measures such as drinking plenty of water, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding diets excessively high in protein, salt, and sugar.

Hydration and Diet

Drinking plenty of water, even when you’re not thirsty, may help reduce the risk of stone formation. Maintaining a healthy weight and limiting excess protein, salt, and sugar intake are also recommended.

Ongoing Monitoring

If you have a history of recurring kidney stones, regular urological exams can spot potential problems with the urinary tract that may be contributing to the formation of crystallized deposits.