Kidney Stone Removal: Methods, Procedures & Recovery
Removal method depends on stone size, location, composition, and patient factors.
Common Procedures
- Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy: Minimally invasive for lower kidney/upper ureter stones; laser fragments stone.
- Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): Non-invasive; external shock waves break stones.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Surgical; small back incision for large/complex stones.
- Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS): Flexible ureteroscope accesses kidney via ureter.
- Open Surgery: Rare; for very large, complex, or impacted stones.
Your urologist will recommend the least invasive effective option.
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