Kidney Stone Treatment Guide — R.K. Hospital Bhopal

Overview

Kidney stones (renal calculi) are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain, urinary problems, and infections. Treatment depends on the size, location, and composition of the stone. At R.K. Hospital & Research Centre, we offer a full range of kidney stone treatments — from medical management for small stones to advanced surgical options for larger or complicated stones. Our surgical capabilities include ureteroscopy (URS) with laser lithotripsy for ureteric and small kidney stones, retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for medium kidney stones using a flexible scope, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for large or staghorn calculi. Dr. Rajesh Kanungo, with 34 years of surgical experience and advanced training from IRCAD Strasbourg, France, leads these procedures with precision and safety.

Who Needs Kidney Stone Surgery?

• •Patients with kidney stones larger than 6 mm that are unlikely to pass on their own
• •Individuals experiencing severe flank or abdominal pain (renal colic) due to a stone blocking the ureter
• •Patients with recurrent urinary tract infections caused by stones acting as a nidus for bacteria
• •Those with kidney stones causing hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney due to urine backup)
• •Patients with staghorn calculi or multiple stones that require surgical intervention to prevent kidney damage

How to Prepare

1. 1Ultrasound (KUB) and/or CT scan to determine the exact size, number, and location of stones
2. 2Urine culture to check for active infection — any infection must be treated with antibiotics before surgery
3. 3Blood tests including kidney function (creatinine, BUN), complete blood count, and coagulation profile
4. 4Inform the surgeon about all medications, especially blood thinners which may need to be stopped 5–7 days before the procedure
5. 5Fast for 6–8 hours before surgery as it is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia

What Happens During the Procedure

1. 1For URS: a thin scope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter to reach the stone; a laser fibre is used to fragment the stone into tiny pieces that are flushed out or removed with a basket
2. 2For RIRS: a flexible ureteroscope is passed up into the kidney; a holmium laser fragments the stone from inside the kidney without any external incision
3. 3For PCNL: a 1 cm incision is made in the back; a nephroscope is inserted directly into the kidney through this tract to fragment and remove large stones
4. 4A ureteral stent (DJ stent) may be placed temporarily to ensure smooth urine flow and prevent blockage from stone fragments
5. 5The removed stone fragments are sent for chemical analysis to help prevent future stone formation

Recovery & Aftercare

• ✓URS and RIRS patients typically go home the same day or next day; PCNL patients usually stay 2–3 days
• ✓Drink 3–4 litres of water daily to flush out remaining small fragments and prevent new stone formation
• ✓Mild burning during urination and blood-tinged urine are normal for 2–5 days after the procedure
• ✓The DJ stent (if placed) is removed in a simple outpatient procedure after 1–3 weeks
• ✓Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 1–2 weeks; normal daily activities can resume within a few days
• ✓Follow dietary advice based on stone composition analysis — for example, reduce oxalate-rich foods for calcium oxalate stones

Risks & Considerations

Like any medical procedure, there are some risks. Your doctor will discuss these in detail during consultation.

• ⚠Urinary tract infection after the procedure — prevented with prophylactic antibiotics and adequate hydration
• ⚠Bleeding — mild blood in urine is common; significant bleeding is rare and more likely with PCNL
• ⚠Ureteral injury or stricture — rare with experienced surgeons using modern flexible scopes
• ⚠Residual stone fragments that may require a second procedure or passage over time
• ⚠Stent-related discomfort including urinary urgency and frequency until the stent is removed

Cost in Bhopal

Frequently Asked Questions