Kidney Stone Removal

The term 'kidney stone' refers to the hard deposits that develop in either of the kidneys. This hard mass is usually made up of calcium or uric acid crystals. The hardened material formed in the kidneys is the result of chemical imbalances in the urine. When the urine contains too much of uric acid, crystalline matter begins to form that later moves out of the urine and eventually gives rise to kidney stones. Now, are there any new ways to get rid of this hard mass, especially when it does not respond to conservative treatment? With the advancement in science and technology, new sophisticated tools are being used in kidney stone removal methods. These surgical procedures may cause mild to moderate pain but are very effective to dispose off large kidney stones.

Kidney Stone Removal Surgery

It is observed that calcium as well as uric acid stones respond quite well to surgical procedures. Although the kidney stone removal procedures are surgical, no incision is made for passing kidney stones out of the body. It is explained below:

Ureteroscopy
This form of kidney stone surgery is done when the stone gets formed in the ureters. The human urinary system has two ureters, which are nothing but tubes that connect the kidneys to the urinary bladder. The urine produced by the kidneys is then transported through the ureters for excretion. This kidney stone removal procedure involves use of ureteroscope, which is a long thin hollow telescope that detects the presence of kidney stone in the urethra. In this procedure, the ureteroscope is pushed through the urethra, until it goes beyond the urinary bladder and reaches the ureter. Upon finding the location of the kidney stone in the ureter, yet another device known as stone breaker or grasper is inserted through the ureteroscope. The grasper does the job of removing the stone, whereas the stone breaker is useful when the kidney stone is big. It breaks the large stone into smaller pieces, which are then extracted through the grasper.

Lithotripsy
This procedure involves bombarding high energy waves on the kidney in which stone has formed. The purpose is to fragment the stone into small particles. These smaller stones are so small that they no longer remain stuck in the ureter and eventually moves out of the body. These electricity produced shock waves can easily travel through water. That is why, the patient is asked to lie down in a water tank, in such a way that the lower body is completely submerged in the water. In one session, multiple strikes of shock waves are given, which is enough to break the kidney stones into very minute particles.

Laser Kidney Stone Removal

This procedure is similar to ureteroscopy but there is a slight modification in performing this method. When the grasper or the stone breaker fail to dislodge the stones from the ureter, laser is passed through the ureteroscope to break the stones. The laser is bombarded multiple times on the target, which helps to break the stones into fragments.

Natural Kidney Stone Removal

Natural kidney stone cures have been used for years to get rid of this hardened matter. Following are some of the natural kidney stone removal methods:

Water
Dehydration is many a time the culprit behind formation of kidney stones. Therefore drinking 8-9 glasses of water is very essential for people diagnosed with kidney stones. Sometimes, sufficient water intake is enough to resolve the issue.

Diet
Other than drinking plenty of water, one should include high fiber foods in the diet. Having a high fiber diet is a natural remedy to eliminate kidney stones. High oxalate foods such as chocolate, spinach and nuts need to be avoided. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea can cause dehydration, so it is best to avoid these drinks. Concentrate more on eating fresh vegetables and fruits, instead of poultry products. Staying away from meat products would certainly help to alleviate kidney stones symptoms.

Herbal Remedies
Drinking herbal tea has proved to be very effective to pass out kidney stones. Also, referred as kidney stone teas, these beverages are beneficial in healing kidney stones and have been used for centuries to eliminate these uric acid deposits. Kidney stone teas basically contain kidney cleansing herbs like hydrangea root, wild yam, plantain leaf, and cramp bark. 2-3 cups of kidney stone tea everyday is helpful to get rid of kidney stones.

Keep in mind that surgical kidney stone removal methods come into picture only when natural remedies do not help to relieve the patient's woes. Surgical methods have their own side effects and so one should consult a doctor to know the pros and cons of choosing surgical procedures to remove kidney stones.