Kidney stones are a painful and common condition affecting millions of individuals globally. They are hard deposits of minerals that form in the kidneys or the urinary tract and can affect individuals of any age and even children. The signs of kidney stones can range from mild to severe. According to Dr. Niren Rao, a notable urologist specialising in performing the best kidney stone surgery in Delhi, kidney stones, if left untreated, can lead to a lot of complications, such as kidney infection or kidney damage. Therefore, knowing the symptoms, causes, and effective treatments of kidney stones is essential for managing this condition.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything from symptoms and causes to the various treatment options available for kidney stones.
What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
The symptoms of kidney stones can differ depending on the size and the location of the stones. Some of the common signs and symptoms of kidney stones include:
1. Pain in the Lower Back: Kidney stones can cause excruciating and intense pain in the lower back.
2. Nausea and Vomiting: Some individuals may experience nausea or vomiting due to the discomfort caused by kidney stones.
3. Cloudy or Bloody Urine: The existence of kidney stones in the urinary tract can cause the urine to become cloudy, or there could be a slight amount of blood seen in the urine.
4. Urinary Urgency and Frequency: People may feel a strong urge to urinate more frequently and can also experience discomfort or burning during urination.
5. Fever: If kidney stones cause infection, people may experience fever or cold.
Note: It is important to understand that not everyone with kidney stones will experience these symptoms. Some may have mild symptoms, and some may not have any. If you experience these kidney stone symptoms, it is important to get in touch with the best urologist in Delhi for proper diagnosis and treatment. You can consider consulting expert urologist Dr. Niren Rao at Delhi Urology Hospital.
What are the Causes of Kidney Stones?
The following factors increase the risk of developing kidney stones:
1. Insufficient water intake
Drinking sufficient water is essential to preventing kidney stones. More water allows individuals to produce more urine, which reduces the chances of developing kidney stones. Individuals must aim to drink at least 8 – 10 glasses of water each day.
2. Obesity
Obese individuals with a high Body Mass Index (BMI) have a higher risk of developing kidney stones.
3. Family History
A family history of kidney stones also increases the risk of developing stones.
4. Medications
Several medications can cause kidney stones. These include calcium-based antacids, steroids, etc.
5. Medical Conditions
Medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhoea, gout, and type 2 diabetes increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
6. Diet
A high-sodium diet also increases the risk of kidney stones. Too much salt in the urine can prevent calcium from being reabsorbed in the blood, resulting in high urine calcium and kidney stones. Foods high in sodium include deli meats and sauces, canned vegetables, etc.
How are Kidney Stones Treated?
The expert urologist, Dr. Niren Rao, recommends medications in the first place and will try ways to make the stone pass without surgery. However, if the stone is too large or it blocks the urine flow, it will be removed via surgery. The following are the options for treating kidney stones with the help of surgery:
1. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
PCNL is a minimally invasive surgery used to remove stones larger than 2 cm. However, with advanced instruments, stones as small as 1cm in size can be removed with mini PCNL or ultra mini PCNL. With this procedure, the patient experiences minimal bleeding and less postoperative pain.
2. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)
Patients with smaller kidney stones (15-20mm) or very small stones in both kidneys are recommended for RIRS surgery. This surgery does not involve a cut and is free of any incision in the body. This procedure is less painless than PCNL, the patient's recovery is faster, and the hospital stay is short.
What is the Cost of Kidney Stone Surgery?
Kidney stone surgery cost in Delhi varies from individual to individual and depends on several factors. These include the type of surgery, surgeon’s experience, cost of anesthesia, diagnostic tests, post-operative care, and many more. At an esteemed hospital, Delhi Urology Hospital, the cost of kidney stone surgery ranges between Rs. 35,000 and Rs. 60,000. PCNL surgery costs between Rs. 35,000 and Rs. 40,000, and RIRS surgery starts at Rs. 60,000.
Consult the Best Urologist For Effective Kidney Stone Treatment
If you are experiencing kidney stones, you can consider consulting Dr. Niren Rao, a leading urologist at Delhi Urology Hospital, for an effective treatment. The expert urologist has over two decades of experience and specialises in performing safe and effective kidney stone surgeries at the hospital.
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