Kidney Stone Treatment Without Surgery

Kidney stones form when an excess of minerals crystalises in the kidneys. These solidified, or stone-like deposits within the kidneys cause discomfort and pain to the patient. One of the most common causes of kidney stones is a lack of water or dehydration. 

Approximately 12% of the world’s population has kidney stones. If not treated on time, they may lead to a number of serious complications. Kidney stones can typically be safely removed at home without any surgery.

Here, we will look at different approaches to Kidney Stone Treatment without Surgery to help you control the pain and discomfort associated with it.

What Are Kidney Stones?

A kidney stone is a hard mass made up of urine crystals. It can range in size from a single grain of sand to a golf ball. Kidney stones sometimes remain in the kidney, but they frequently pass through the urinary tract. 

A kidney stone that is small enough may go undetected as it passes through the urinary system. A large kidney stone can cause severe pain and obstruct the flow of urine, resulting in harmful backups. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stone.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

A kidney stone typically does not cause signs and symptoms until it begins to move around the kidney or enters one of the ureters. The kidneys and bladder are connected by tubes called ureters.

If a kidney stone becomes lodged in the ureters, it can obstruct the flow of urine, causing the kidney to swell and the ureter to spasm, which can be extremely painful. At that time, you might feel the following symptoms:

• Sharp, extreme discomfort beneath the ribs in the back and side
• Pain that spreads to the lower abdomen and groin
• Pain that comes in waves with varying intensity
• Pain or burning sensation when urinating

Additional signs and symptoms may include:

• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Urine that is cloudy or smells foul
• A persistent urge to urinate, urinating more frequently than usual, or urinating in small amounts
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills if there is an infection

As a kidney stone moves through the urinary tract, the pain may vary by shifting location or becoming more intense.

Also Read: Understanding Kidney Stones

How to Treat Kidney Stones Without Surgery 

Following some home remedies for ureter stones can frequently remove and treat kidney stones without surgery. The specific treatment approach is determined by the kidney stone's size and type, location, symptoms, and overall health. 

Surgery is usually reserved for situations where other interventions fail, or there are complications, and non-surgical approaches are typically considered first. Various approaches for non-surgical ureter stone removal include:

• Watchful Waiting

Urologists may recommend watchful waiting for kidney stones that are symptomless and less than five millimetres in diameter. Small kidney stones that don't cause symptoms might go away on their own with time. In such cases, the patient is frequently advised to drink plenty of water to help remove the stone outside of the urinary tract.

• Over-The-Counter Medications

An important aspect of ureter stone treatment without surgery is pain management. Pain from kidney stones is frequently relieved with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, you should always ask your primary care physician first before taking any medications on your own. 

• Medical Expulsive Therapy

Medical expulsive therapy (MET) refers to the use of medication that promotes ureteral stone passage immediately before surgical intervention. Medication like tamsulosin (Flomax) relaxes the ureter's muscles, facilitating the stone's passage.

• Fluid Intake

Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, is essential for flushing out kidney stones. For people who have had kidney stones, it is recommended that they drink at least two litres (8 cups) and, ideally, three litres (12 cups) of water each day. Increased fluid intake dilutes the urine and facilitates the passage of smaller stones.

• Lithotripsy

Shock wave lithotripsy is a non-invasive technique that uses shock waves to break ureter stones into smaller pieces or dissolve them. This allows for easier passage of the fragments during urination and prevents further complications without the need for surgery. This procedure is also suitable for 12 mm kidney stone treatment without surgery. 

• Ureteroscopy

Ureteroscopy involves passing a thin camera-equipped tube through the urethra and bladder to access the ureter. Laser energy can be used to visualise the stone and remove or fragment it directly.

• The Low-Sodium Approach

A high-sodium diet may increase the likelihood of kidney stone formation. Reducing your intake of salty foods is a wise decision. Adults should limit their consumption to less than 2,300 mg per day. 

Each teaspoon of table salt contains 2,325 milligrams (mg) of sodium. You should follow this rule if you have had calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate stones, even though you are taking medication to prevent kidney stones.

• Stay Active

If you want to prevent kidney stones, regular exercise may be the perfect companion. Exercise promotes a healthy weight and reduces the risk of stone formation. The most effective exercise for passing a kidney stone is a low-intensity workout. 

Low-intensity workouts such as walking, jogging, and cycling can help the stone pass easily through your urinary tract. So, get moving and work up a sweat on a regular basis.

When to see a doctor

If you are experiencing severe pain in your lower abdomen or genitals, you should seek medical attention right away. Kidney stones can be treated with fluid therapy and pain medications. However, stones can become lodged in the urinary tract or cause damage to the bladder's tissues. To break the stone, this obstruction typically necessitates immediate surgery or another medical procedure.

Also Read: How to identify early signs of kidney stones?

Act Now and Choose Non-Surgical Treatment Solutions!

Surgical intervention is not always necessary to treat kidney stones. The approaches for kidney stone treatment without surgery have the potential to make a significant difference. However, it is extremely important to consult with a healthcare professional, particularly if you are experiencing severe pain due to kidney stones or other medical conditions.

At Apollo Spectra, we aim to prevent common urological issues like painful kidney stones. Consulting with one of our highly specialized urologists will help you determine the best treatment options for your needs. Schedule your appointment with our specialist today.