Kidney stone surgery is generally considered to be a relatively low-risk procedure. While any type of surgery involves risks, it’s generally not considered to be a high-risk surgery. The most common risks associated with kidney stone surgery include bleeding, infection, and injury to the surrounding organs.
Other rare risks include reaction to anesthesia, allergic reaction, and damage to the urethra. The risks of the surgery are mostly dependent on the location and size of the stone, as well as your overall health and any other medical conditions you may have.
In addition, the risk of complications is reduced when the procedure is performed by an experienced professional in a reputable medical facility. In most cases, the benefit of undergoing kidney stone surgery far outweighs the risks.
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What are the risks of kidney stone surgery?
The risks associated with kidney stone surgery vary based on the type of surgery. Common risks of surgery include bleeding, infection, reaction to the anesthesia, and the formation of clots. Other risks specifically related to kidney stone surgery may include but are not limited to:
– Injury to the urinary tract: Blood vessels, ureters, and other adjacent structures can be damaged during the procedure.
– Damage to the kidney: The surgery can also cause damage to the tubules and other structures of the kidney.
– Ureteral stricture: This occurs when scar tissue forms and blocks the passage of urine from the kidney to the bladder.
– Worsening of symptoms: Pain can be worse, or there could be more stones formed after the surgery.
– Blood loss: Blood transfusions may be necessary due to excessive bleeding.
– Loss of kidney function: The surgery could lead to the complete loss of a kidney, or the kidney may stop functioning normally due to injury.
– Postoperative bladder issues: This may include difficulty emptying the bladder, or it may become infected.
While these risks can be serious, many of them can be mitigated with careful monitoring of the patient and close follow-up with their doctor. It is important to understand the potential risks of any procedure before deciding to move forward.
Are kidney stone surgeries successful?
Yes, kidney stone surgeries are generally quite successful. The success rate is typically 85% – 98% depending on the type of surgery and the size of the stone. Ureteroscopy is the most common and successful surgical procedure for removing kidney stones.
This procedure can even remove larger stones that cannot be treated in other ways. If a person is a good candidate for laparoscopic surgery, it can be even more successful as it involves a smaller incision and a faster recovery time.
Other types of surgeries that can be used to remove kidney stones are shock wave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. It is important that the patient has a good follow-up plan with their doctor to ensure the stones do not return.
How long does it take to fully recover from kidney stone surgery?
Recovery from kidney stone surgery can vary from patient to patient, depending on the size, quantity and location of the stones, as well as any underlying medical conditions. Generally, it takes about 2 weeks for most people to feel fully recovered from the procedure.
During this time period, you will be advised to take pain medication as prescribed and drink plenty of fluids to help flush out any remaining stones or debris. You may also be instructed to avoid straining or lifting heavy objects for several weeks.
In addition, it is important to notify your doctor immediately if you are experience any pain, nausea, fever, or other unusual symptoms. With proper care and rest, most people should experience a full recovery within 2 weeks of the procedure.
Is it OK to leave kidney stones untreated?
No, it is not recommended to leave kidney stones untreated. Kidney stones can cause severe pain and further medical complications, so it is important to seek treatment to address them. Large stones may even cause urinary obstruction that can lead to kidney damage.
In addition, small stones may remain in the kidney for a long time and cause recurring pain and discomfort. Some treatments for kidney stones include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to break up larger stones, medications like alpha blockers to help pass small stones, or ureteroscopic stone removal to remove larger stones.
Your doctor can help determine the best course of treatment for you.
How long should a kidney stone be left untreated?
If a kidney stone is left untreated, it could cause serious or even life-threatening complications in some cases. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention for kidney stones as soon as possible.
If a stone is smaller than 5 millimeters (mm) in diameter, it usually passes painlessly out of the body in the urine within a few weeks. If stones are larger than 5 mm, they may take several weeks or even months to pass.
Stones larger than 10 mm may require treatments such as shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy. These treatments aim to break down the stone into smaller pieces, allowing them to pass more easily.
Depending on the size and complexity of the stone, it may take several weeks or months to pass. Prompt treatment can reduce the risk of complications and help ensure that the kidney stone passes with the least amount of pain.
Is surgery to remove a kidney stone serious?
Yes, surgery to remove a kidney stone can be a serious procedure. Depending on the size and location of the stone, it may require a minor procedure known as extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) or a more invasive procedure known as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
ESWL involves the use of ultrasonic waves to break up the stone, while PCNL requires an incision into the back or side of the abdomen to gain access to the stone. Both procedures carry risks including blood loss, infection, and damage to the urinary tract or surrounding organs.
Recovery from these procedures may take several weeks, and recuperation time often varies depending on the type of surgery.
How long do I need to take off work after a Ureteroscopy?
The length of time you need to take off work after a ureteroscopy depends on the type of procedure and the amount of treatment you received during your ureteroscopy. Generally, this time may range from 1-2 days of rest until full recovery, although more extensive treatments may require a longer period of recovery.
During the first few days after your ureteroscopy, you may experience some mild discomfort or pain, bleeding, and urinary frequency or urgency. It is important to take it easy and rest during this time.
You should refrain from strenuous activities and ask your doctor when it is safe to start exercising and work again. Depending on the type of work you do, your employer may need to accommodate a reduced workload during your recovery.
It is important to communicate with your employer and doctor about what activities are safe for you to do and when it is safe to return to work.
Should you rest after a kidney stone?
Yes, it is important to rest after passing a kidney stone. The pain associated with passing a stone can be extremely intense and can last for several hours, making it difficult to move around. Resting will allow your body time to heal and regain strength.
Additionally, resting can help reduce the chances of having any recurring pains or complications associated with the kidney stone. It is important to talk to your physician before taking any form of medication to help manage the pain and make sure you get the support and care you need during recovery.
Finally, keeping hydrated with fluids and frequently urinating can help flush out the stones more rapidly and reduce discomfort.
Is bed rest required for kidney stones?
It depends. Bed rest may be required for people who experience significant pain due to kidney stones. If the pain is severe enough to require painkillers, bed rest in a comfortable position might be recommended.
In addition, if the kidney stone passes through the urinary tract, the doctor may suggest bed rest to ensure that the stone passes without any obstruction.
In some cases, bed rest is not necessary and other treatments may be used. These can include increasing fluid intake, taking certain medications, or even minimally invasive surgical procedures. Ultimately, it is up to the doctor to determine if bed rest is needed for a person who has been diagnosed with kidney stones.
