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A kidney stone is a build-up of dissolved minerals that accumulate in the kidney. The treatment options for kidney stones depend upon their size. Some kidney stones are so small that they often pass on their own with the urine without any treatment. However, stones that are big and cause pain need to be removed surgically. One of the common treatment is Holmium laser lithotripsy.
How does Holmium laser lithotripsy work?
This method is used when the stones are stuck in the urinary tract. This could mean the stones are located in the bladder, kidneys, ureters or the urethra. It is a minimally invasive surgery that uses lasers to break up stones. The surgery requires no incisions on your body. You will be given general anaesthesia while the urologist can access the ureter and kidney using an instrument called ureteroscope. With this instrument, the laser is inserted to break up the stones. The surgeon will remove the pieces while the smaller pieces pass on with urination. The procedure is effective regardless of the size and location of the stones. The surgeon is likely to put a stent between the kidney and urethra which will be removed in a few weeks. The stent promotes quick healing allowing small stones to pass easily.
How should the patient prepare for the surgery?
You will be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight a day before the surgery. The doctor may ask you to avoid certain medicines before the procedure.
Does the patient need to be hospitalised?
You may be hospitalized for a day or two.
What can the patient expect after the surgery?
After the surgery, you may experience pain and discomfort. You may also experience pain in the back. Your doctor may give you medications, including analgesics and antibiotics, to manage your pain and to prevent infection.
What should the patient avoid after the surgery?
You can resume most of the normal activities the next day. It is advisable to skip high-intensity exercises. If your surgeon has placed a stent, then you should wait for its removal before starting any workout.
Is there any follow-up care that the patient needs?
Your surgeon is likely to see you a week after the surgery. The stent may be removed in a few weeks after surgery and this will be done while you are awake. In some cases, your surgeon may suggest keeping the stent to help with the healing process. The surgeon may also recommend a urine analysis to see if everything’s fine. You may also be recommended to make some lifestyle changes to prevent the formation of kidney stones in future.
Consult our urologists from the safety of your home
Are you searching online with terms such as ‘Urologists near me’? Neotia Getwel Healthcare Centre allows you to consult specialists through video conferencing/telemedicine. The department of urology offers diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of diseases related to the urinary tract. We have some of the best urologists in Siliguri on board.
