Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals that develop in your kidneys and urinary tract, and the prevalence overall is about 12%, depending on the specific region (which is a little higher in the dry north). In cities like Jaipur, kidney stones are on the rise due to heat, dehydration, and shifting diets. Historically, they have been treated by open surgery or shock wave therapy. At the same time, today, laser treatment is the preferred method, as it is the least invasive and most precise, and patients recover significantly quicker than with surgery. This article is for patients – and their families and carers – looking for treatment options and to understand laser treatment for urinary stones better.
How Kidney Stone Laser Treatment Works
Kidney stones can be treated with a laser, which is a safe and precise procedure with minimally invasive treatment. To begin, preoperative testing is performed, which involves imaging studies, such as CT scans or ultrasounds, blood work, and urine studies to determine which approach is best for each individual. The appropriate anaesthetic, local or general, is performed depending on what is deemed appropriate. A thin ureteroscope is then inserted gently into the urinary tract to locate the kidney stone. A thin laser fibre is then used to fragment the stone into smaller pieces. Once a boulder is broken up, baskets or irrigation are used to remove relevant particles. The physician may also consider putting in a temporary stent to help with urine flow and healing as appropriate.
Benefits of Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones
When comparing laser treatment for kidney stones to typical surgical treatment, patients can reap numerous advantages. The laser treatment is minimally invasive, requiring no large cuts or stitches, and it prevents significant trauma to the body as well. This means that the patients’ recoveries happen as quickly as possible and usually in a very short hospital stay, which allows patients to return to their normal routines in a few days. Patients experience significantly less post-operative pain and discomfort, making recovery easier and more tolerable. With the advancement of lasers, the treatment of stones in difficult or narrow areas is much easier. Also, patients bleed less and have fewer complications with this new method than with older ones. Overall, laser treatment for kidney stones is safer, more efficient, and highly successful for renal calculus treatments in patients of all ages.
Who is a Good Candidate for Laser Treatment & When It May Not Be Suitable?
Laser treatment is an excellent option for patients with kidney or ureteral stones that are generally about 2 centimetres or less in size, as well as in locations that are clinically amenable to therapy via a flexible scope during RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery). It is an appropriate intervention for kidney stones that are difficult to pass on their own but that, in the opinion of the treating physician, are not too large to remove with endoscopic intervention. It is also important for patients to be in good health, particularly without significant bleeding disorders or uncontrolled infections. However, with very large stones (greater than 2 centimetres in size), or if the anatomy is complex, or there is a desire for open access, then other interventions, such as PCNL or ESWL, might be more prudent in achieving complete or adequate stone clearance safely.
Risks, Complications & Limitations
While laser lithotripsy for kidney stones is generally safe, there are some risks and limitations. There may be post-operative infection and bleeding, and there may be some residual stone fragments, sometimes leading to another procedure. A drain or stent may also be required for drainage, but there is discomfort and follow-up removal involved. Limitations also exist in areas like Jaipur from a cost perspective, the availability of high-end laser equipment, and the surgeon’s experience. And, if stones recur, ongoing lifestyle modifications and surveillance will be needed to prevent new formation.
What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure
Patients are instructed to fast for several hours before kidney stone laser surgery and also to complete pre-surgical tests, which include blood, urine, and, in most cases, imaging. Medications that the patient takes regularly will be reviewed, and the information will consist of special instructions for what to bring to the hospital. The surgical procedure itself usually takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes and will involve anaesthesia and a ureteroscope with a laser fibre, which will be used to fragment the stone. Patients can expect to stay in the hospital for one day, at which point they will be monitored and pain managed. Patients should ensure they stay hydrated, follow a light diet, and rest. If a stent is inserted, a follow-up appointment will be made to evaluate it and determine when it can be removed. Most patients return to their baseline activities within a week.
Choosing the Right Hospital & Urologist in Jaipur
When selecting a Right Hospital & Urologist in Jaipur to treat stone disease, it is important to consider the credentials and experience of the physician first and ensure that they have an MCh (Urology) or a DNB in Urology, as well as adequate expertise performing endoscopic/laser stone procedures. Once you have investigated the urologist’s credentials, consider the hospital’s facilities and technology especially if it has holmium or other laser facilities, flexible scopes for ureteroscopy or RIRS, as well as a suite/ward for imaging and endoscopy. After you have considered the hospital’s facilities, you can then research reviews from other patients and the rate of success in terms of reviews related to stone procedures, clearance rates and follow-up care. Finally, consider the clarity of cost and follow-up care, ensure there is a clear breakdown for the procedure that includes diagnostics, stay in hospital, and stent removal/follow-up care.
With laser treatment for kidney stones, you can expect a safe, efficient, and minimally invasive procedure that provides quicker recovery, less pain, and high success rates. Laser treatment is especially effective for difficult-to-treat stones that have not responded to traditional therapies. The procedure, like any other, has minor risks such as bleeding, infection, or the possible need for a temporary stent in the ureter. Each patient will have a unique condition, so it is essential to consult with an experienced urologist to accurately assess it and create a personalised treatment plan. If you or someone you know is struggling with kidney stone issues, schedule a consultation today to discuss the laser treatment options in Jaipur. If you are searching for laser treatment for kidney stone in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Dr. Ankit Kayal is regarded as one of the best urologists in Jaipur within the medical fraternity. With experience in performing over 5000 procedures, Dr. Ankit Kayal is a highly esteemed urologist doctor specializing in Laser treatment, Kidney stone, Prostate enlargement, Laparoscopy, and Kidney transplantation.
FAQs Realted to Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones:
What kinds of kidney stones can be treated with laser surgery?
Laser is an effective treatment for most kidney and ureteral stones that are under approximately 2 cm in size, regardless of stone composition, and particularly effective for calcium oxalate, uric acid and cystine stones.
How painful is laser surgery for kidney stones?
The procedure itself is painless, as it was performed under anaesthesia. Afterwards, the patient may experience some mild pain, burning or back pain that usually improves within a few days and can be managed with medication.
How long does the laser procedure take?
The procedure itself usually lasts 30-90 minutes, depending on stone size, number of stones, location of the stones, and patient-specific anatomy.
Will I need to stay in the hospital, and for how long?
Most patients will remain overnight for observation; however, some patients may go home the same day, depending on recovery and if a stent is placed.
How soon can I return to work after laser stone removal?
Patients can return to light work within 2–5 days. Full recovery to resume all activity may take up to a week and will depend on comfort and the doctor’s wishes/thoughts.
Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes needed after recovery?
Yes, drink plenty of water when at rest, limit salt intake, avoid excess protein, and reduce foods high in oxalate. Regular follow-ups and active lifestyle habits lower the risk of future stones.
What are the chances of stones recurring after laser treatment?
Recurrence rates range from 15% to 30% and are variable based on diet, hydration, and metabolic factors. Regular follow-up and a change in lifestyle habits can significantly reduce the chance of recurrence.
What is a DJ stent, and why might I need one?
A DJ (double J) stent is a soft tube placed in the ureter to help ensure urine can continue to flow, preventing obstructions and minimising pain/swelling, and helping facilitate the ease of stone passage after surgery.
Are there age or health condition limits for treating kidney stones with laser therapy?
Laser lithotripsy is suitable for almost all age groups. However, individuals with severe heart, lung, or bleeding disorders may need further evaluation or alternative treatment options.
Does insurance cover laser treatment for kidney stones in Jaipur?
Yes, health insurance covers surgery for laser treatment of kidney stones. In India, this coverage, which includes hospital stay, stent removal, or both, depends on your individual insurance policy as well as your insurer.
How does laser treatment compare to ESWL or PCNL?
More precise, faster recovery, and less invasive than PCNL, laser lithotripsy is advantageous over ESWL. Laser lithotripsy is also used to treat medium-sized stones and difficult-to-reach locations.
Can all hospitals in Jaipur provide laser stone surgery?
Not all Urologists can perform laser stone removal. Only advanced urology centres with holmium or thulium lasers, flexible ureteroscopes, and trained urologists can safely perform laser stone removal.