Kidney stones are one of the health problems increasing day by day and affect a large number of people across the world. These stones are hard and can cause serious pain when moving, and are responsible for blocking the urinary tract. If the kidney stones are smaller in size, then they can pass through on their own, but when the size of stones are large, then surgery is the option to remove them. The surgical procedures for the kidney stone removal treatment can be different and are performed depending on the overall health of the individual and the complexity of the condition.
Kidney stones are the solids that originate in the kidneys and can vary in size. The size of the kidney stone can be small, like a grain, or large, like a ball. These stones form when the substances in the urine become concentrated. Different factors, such as dehydration, certain medical conditions, medications, and a diet with high salt and protein, can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
The main types of kidney stones include:
Calcium Stones
Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stones. They happen when calcium combines with a substance called oxalate in your urine. There’s also a type called calcium phosphate stones, which form when calcium mixes with phosphate.
Uric Acid Stones
Uric acid stones form when there’s too much uric acid in the urine.
Struvite Stones
Struvite stones, also known as infection stones, are related to urinary tract infections. They can grow quickly and become quite large.
Cystine Stones
Cystine stones are caused by a genetic disorder that prevents the body from properly reabsorbing a specific amino acid called cystine.
Symptoms of kidney stones may include severe pain, blood in the urine, nausea, and difficulty urination. Different factors, such as size, type of stones, and severity of the symptoms, can lead to varying the type of treatment performed for kidney stones.
Kidney stones can be treated with conservative or non-surgical methods, such as medication, hydration, and lifestyle changes. The smaller kidney stones don’t require surgical treatments; they can be treated with non-invasive methods, whereas the larger kidney stones can cause infections and pain, and discomfort. Many different types of surgical procedures are available for the treatment of kidney stones.
1. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL):
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy is an invasive procedure for the treatment of large kidney stones that lead to pain and discomfort. For the relief from that pain and difficulty, this surgical procedure is considered the best for complex kidney stones that are larger, in which a small incision is made in the back, and the surgeon directly removes the stone. General anesthesia is given for this procedure, and when the other treatments are not effective, then this treatment is considered.
Cost of PCNL Surgery:
With different factors, the cost of PCNL surgery can vary depending on the hospital, surgeon’s expertise, and location. The estimated cost for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy is $18,077 to $20,078.
2. Ureteroscopy (URS):
In this surgical procedure, a thin tube (ureteroscope) is inserted through the urethra and into the ureter. The ureteroscope is inserted to remove the kidney stones, and this procedure is used for the stones located in the ureter.
Cost of Ureteroscopy Surgery:
The cost of ureteroscopy surgery can generally range from $9,469 to $11,754.
3. Lithotripsy (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy – ESWL)
This procedure is an invasive treatment for kidney stones, in which the shock waves are used to break the stones into smaller pieces so that they can pass out through the urinary tract. These smaller pieces can pass through the urinary tract due to their small size. It is a minimally invasive option for the stones that are smaller in size (1 to 2 cm).
Cost of Lithotripsy:
The cost of this surgical procedure (Lithotripsy or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) is typically between $8,581 and $11,754.
4. Open Surgery:
This surgical procedure is used rarely in the present time and can be performed when the stones are large and no other methods are effective. In this procedure, the larger incisions are made to access the kidney and the stone for direct removal.
Cost of Open Surgery:
Open surgery is an expensive surgical procedure than the other procedures for kidney stone removal. The cost can range from approximately $13,704 to $13,872.
The hospital type and location can affect the cost. Private hospitals charge more than government hospitals due to the advanced facilities and longer hospital stays. The hospitals offering advanced technology and care have higher rates. This factor can vary the cost of the surgery
The reputation and skills of the surgeon who is performing the procedure can influence the cost of surgery. Highly experienced surgeons charge higher fees, as their expertise can lead to quicker recovery with less pain and fewer complications.
Different types of surgeries can have different costs. Non-invasive treatments are less expensive than invasive methods. The complexity of the procedure and equipment type can lead to an increase in the cost.
The tests, such as CT scans and ultrasounds, medications, and hospital stays, can lead to add extra costs to the surgery.
| Sr. No. | Procedure Type | Estimated cost | Description of the treatment |
|
|
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy | $8,581 – $11,754 | This procedure is used for kidney stone removal. |
| 2. | Ureteroscopy and Laser Lithotripsy | $5,000 – $15,000 | In this procedure, a thin tube is inserted through the urethra for the removal of kidney stones. |
| 3. | Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy | $18,077 – $20,078 | A minimally invasive surgery that is used for the removal of large stones by an incision in the back. |
| 4. | Open Nephrolithotomy | $13,704 – $13,872 | This is a traditional surgery that is performed for the larger stones, in which incisions are used. |
Answer. Full recovery after the kidney stone surgery can take a few days to weeks, depending on the surgical procedure type that is performed for the kidney stones. The recovery rate of the individual after kidney stones depends on the overall health of the patient and the procedure type. The minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy, can have a recovery period of 2-3 days, whereas other invasive procedures may take 2-3 weeks for full recovery.
Answer. The most expensive kidney stone treatment procedure is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy, and it is cost-effective for large or multiple kidney stones. The overall cost of this surgical procedure is higher than that of other procedures, such as ureteroscopy or shock wave lithotripsy, when complications arise.
Answer. Yes, kidney stone treatment procedures offer positive results, depending on the different factors, such as the size of the stone, location, and type of treatment. In many cases, the treatment goes well for the removal of stones and prevents further complications. Shock Wave lithotripsy is a highly effective treatment for smaller stones, whereas the ureteroscopy comes with higher success rates for larger stones.
Answer. The time taken for the removal of a kidney stone can vary depending on different factors, such as the size of the stone, the treatment performed, and the overall health of the patient. Small stones can pass within a few weeks, while the larger stones require medical attention such as shock wave therapy, ureteroscopy, or surgery.
Dr. Mourad Abouelleil is a highly skilled and certified urologist known for his dedication to excellence in advanced urological procedures, such as robotic prostatectomy, HIFU, etc. With cutting-edge technology and extensive experience, Dr. Mourad Abouelleil provides personalized treatment plans to meet the unique needs of every patient with quality medical care.
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