Kidney stone surgery: How removing stones and avoiding prolonged stent use can improve your quality of life

Do you require kidney stone surgery, and would like expert insight into how it can help you? Leading consultant urologist Mr Luke Forster tells us all about this procedure, considering how avoiding prolonged stent use can improve your quality of life in particular.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can vary in size, and when they block the urinary tract, they cause severe pain, discomfort and complications such as infections or kidney damage.

Kidney stone surgery options

When kidney stones are too large to pass naturally or cause complications, surgery may be necessary. The most common surgical options include:

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to break kidney stones into smaller fragments, allowing them to pass through the urine.

Ureteroscopy: A thin scope is passed through the urethra to reach the stone, which can then be removed or broken up with a laser.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): For larger stones, this procedure involves making a small incision in the back to access and remove the stone directly.

Why is it important to avoid prolonged stent use?

In some cases, a stent is placed in the ureter to help drain urine and relieve pressure on the kidneys before or after surgery. While stents are effective, prolonged use can cause discomfort, increase the risk of infection, and lead to complications such as stent migration or encrustation. It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for stent removal to avoid these risks and improve your recovery.

How removing kidney stones improves quality of life

Kidney stone surgery, when performed promptly and efficiently, can significantly improve a patient's quality of life by:

Relieving pain: Removing stones can bring immediate relief from the intense pain associated with kidney stone attacks.

Preventing infections: Stones left untreated can cause infections, which may lead to serious complications if not addressed.

Protecting kidney function: Prolonged obstruction from stones can damage the kidneys. Surgery can help protect kidney function and prevent long-term issues.

Avoiding prolonged stent use and ensuring proper stone removal helps patients recover faster and return to their daily lives without the pain and discomfort associated with kidney stones. Following a personalised post-surgery plan, including dietary changes and regular check-ups, can also reduce the risk of recurrence.

If you think you require surgery for kidney stones, arrange a consultation with Mr Forster via his Top Doctors profile.