Laser treatment for kidney stones is a minimally invasive procedure which is conducted under general anesthesia. Quick to perform and efficient, the procedure generally lasts no longer than 1 hour and boasts a success rate of up to 95%.
Performing the Procedure
Naturally, the first step of the procedure entails locating the kidney stones themselves. To do so, a ureteroscopy is performed. This involves passing a small lighted device known as a ureteroscope through the urethra into the bladder and onward into the ureter.
Once the kidney stones have been successfully located, the surgeon will then perform laser lithotripsy. Essentially, laser lithotripsy involves using a holmium laser to shatter the kidney stones into fragments. Larger fragments are removed by the surgeon using a basket-like device, while smaller pieces are left to pass through the body naturally.
Surgeons also have the option of using the holmium laser to atomize the entire stone into an easy-to-pass powder. Such an effect is best achieved by adjusting the holmium laser’s pulse using the Moses effect.
A stent may be placed in order to promote postoperative healing and to facilitate the unimpeded passage of kidney stone fragments. In the majority of cases, the stent is removed after 3-10 days. However, the need for a stent can be minimized by using the stone-atomizing technique in conjunction with the Moses effect.
Limitations
Although a highly flexible method for treating kidney stones, laser treatment, nevertheless, does have some limitations.
Extremely large stones may be more efficiently treated using other procedures Very occasionally the scopes cannot reach the kidney stonesThe use of stents can cause discomfort
Side Effects
As with any operation, the laser treatment for kidney stones can lead to postoperative complications. Potential issues include;
On rare occasions, the ureter may be injured. Indeed, it’s estimated that in 0.1%-0.7% of cases the procedure may lead to a complete perforation of the ureter. Similarly, a partial perforation occurs in 1.6% of procedures. Bleeding and infection occur following an estimated 5% of procedures. Stent issues are the most common problem and affect approximately 50% of patients. Stent-related problems range from mild back pain and irritation of the bladder to blood in the urine and the frequent need to urinate.
After Surgery
Following surgery, alongside pain medication, a doctor may also prescribe antibiotics. Moreover, when called for, a doctor may additionally prescribe medications to combat bladder spasms or burning urinary pain.
In the period following laser treatment for kidney stones, it’s recommended that a patient should drink plenty of water. Water helps to lubricate the stent and to encourage remnant kidney stone fragments to leave the kidney.
While in the majority of cases, the stent is removed after 1 week, in some cases, it may remain in place for up to 3 months. In either case, it’s worth noting that high-intensity exercise should be avoided until after the stent has been removed.
Often, a fragment of the removed kidney stone will be sent for further analysis. The results of such analysis can help clarify how best to prevent the appearance of future stones. Moreover, to the same end, a urinary analysis may also be conducted.
