What Are the Methods Used to Break Up Kidney Stones?
The method used to treat kidney stones is determined by a urologist based on the size, location and hardness of the stone and the patient's general health.
Main Methods
ESWL (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy): The stone is broken up without any incision by shock waves delivered from outside the body; the fragments are passed in the urine.
Ureteroscopy (URS): A thin endoscope is passed through the urinary tract and stones in the ureter are broken up with a laser.
RIRS (flexible ureterorenoscopy): A flexible endoscope is advanced into the kidney and the stones are fragmented with a laser; no incision is required.
PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy): For large kidney stones, the stones are broken up and removed through a small channel created in the back.
After Treatment
After stone treatment, drinking plenty of fluids, dietary adjustments and, if necessary, stone analysis and metabolic evaluation are recommended to prevent new stones from forming.
