Kidney stones are hard, tiny mineral deposits that can cause severe pain and discomfort when they form inside the kidneys. Kidney stones larger than 2 cm are treated with PCNL, a minimally invasive surgical technique. However, stones as small as 1 cm can be removed through PCNL or ultra mini PCNL thanks to improved techniques and modernized equipment.
In this blog, we will learn about the PCNL treatment for kidney stones. We have gathered the proper knowledge about the procedure by taking insights from Dr. Niren Rao, a renowned urologist for providing the best and most affordable kidney stone surgery cost in Delhi. The kidney surgery cost depends on varied factors. It includes the type of the surgery, the expertise of the urologist, the patient’s condition, post-care expenses and many more. At Delhi Urology Hospital, the kidney stone surgery cost ranges from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 60,000. Let’s find out the elements related to kidney stone surgery.
Types of Kidney Stones
Stones fall into four types of categories:
- Calcium Oxalate
It is the most common type of kidney stone and occurs when oxalate and calcium combine in the urine. Many things, such as consuming too much fluid and calcium, may affect their development.
- Uric Acid
This type of kidney stone is also fairly typical. Uric acid stones can occur in people who consume a high-protein diet, have diabetes or metabolic syndrome, or lose a lot of fluid from long-term diarrhea or malabsorption. Eating a lot of purines, which are present in foods like beef, bacon, and pork, as well as consuming alcohol, causes the body to produce more monosodium urate, which, under some circumstances, can result in kidney stones.
- Struvite
Struvite stones are less common and can develop as a result of an infection in the urinary tract. These stones can occasionally appear with little warning or few symptoms, growing quickly and getting fairly large.
- Cystine
These stones usually run in families, and they are highly uncommon. These stones are more common in those with cystinuria, a genetic condition that results in the kidneys excreting an excessive amount of a specific amino acid.
What Is PCNL Surgery?
PCNL surgery is also known as percutaneous nephrolithotomy. It is a procedure used to treat kidney or upper ureter stones that are too large to pass through the system usually and do not go away with other forms of treatment like laser ureterostomy or shock wave lithotripsy. Due to the minimally invasive nature of PCNL surgery, the patient experiences little pain or discomfort. With virtually no complications, this procedure relieves the excruciating symptoms brought on by noticeably enlarged kidney stones, enabling patients to resume their lives without difficulty.
How Should One Get Ready for a PCNL Surgery?
The doctor will provide one with instructions before PCNL surgery to help them get ready for the procedure. By adhering to these preoperative preparation guidelines, one will help themselves get ready for the process and maintain their composure throughout. Here are some tips to help one get ready for the PCNL procedure:
- Have all of the questions addressed in advance. This can involve inquiring about the process, the ailment’s seriousness, the surgery’s dangers, and other things.
- Make sure the doctor knows if the patient has an allergy to anesthesia. This will assist one in preventing anesthesia-related allergic reactions.
- To avoid complications related to anesthesia, refrain from eating or drinking anything for about 6 to 8 hours before the procedure.
- Prior to the procedure, the doctor may also advise one to stop taking specific medications, like blood thinners.
How is PCNL Carried Out?
The patient will typically lie on their stomach (prone) during PCNL procedures so the urologist can access their kidney through their back. On the other hand, the urologist may place the patient in a modified supine position—that is, on their back with a cushion under their flank—or their back (supine). The patient will be put to sleep (sedated) by the anesthesiologist using general anesthesia. They will not feel pain, move, or be awake throughout the process.
The urologist will make a tiny incision, no bigger than 1 cm, once the patient is asleep. A protective sleeve, or sheath, will be inserted into the kidney through the incision. The kidney stone will be found and removed using a tiny video camera (a nephroscope) inserted into the sheath. Sometimes, before extracting the stone, the urologist uses a laser or shock-wave device (lithotripter) to break it into smaller pieces. The urologist may insert a ureteral stent or drainage tube after removing the kidney stone. They aid in healing and urine (pee) drainage. The skin incisions may then be closed with stitches.
What Happens After PCNL?
After PCNL, a medical professional will bandage the stitches. The kidney stone might also be sent to a lab so that technicians can analyze its composition. Determining the components of a kidney stone can aid in identifying its cause and help stop new stones from forming. The patient will not take long to become conscious or awake, but they will probably still feel sleepy.
Next, they will be taken to a recovery room. The doctor will wait until the patient is fully awakened before monitoring their general health. The patient’s pain will be treated once they have fully awakened. Despite being a minimally invasive procedure, PCNL may still require painkillers and pain management strategies.
After surgery, the patient will usually need to stay in the hospital for one day so that the doctors can check on them, monitor their recovery, and ensure they are healing and not having problems with pain management. After surgery, one might have a little blood in their urinal for a week or two. It is usual for this to happen.
What Advantages Does PCNL Surgery Offer?
In recent times, PCNL surgery has become the go-to treatment option for kidney stones measuring 200 mm or more. According to Dr. Niren Rao, renowned as the best urologist in Delhi, the main reason for this is that it is a highly successful, minimally invasive, and sophisticated procedure with a very low risk of complications. Here are a few additional advantages to PCNL surgery:
- It leaves no visible scars and requires a tiny incision.
- It is a completely painless procedure with little to no bleeding.
- Compared to alternative treatment approaches, it guarantees a quicker recovery with few side effects.
- A shorter hospital stay is required.
- After surgery, patients can get back to their regular activities in a week.
How painful is PCNL surgery?
Due to the anesthesia administered before the procedure, PCNL surgery is typically painless. Nevertheless, after the anesthesia wears off, some patients may feel mild discomfort from the stent implantation. The doctor may prescribe medication to assist one in managing the pain and other symptoms.
Conclusion
The formation of kidney stones occurs when an excess of minerals crystallize in the kidney’s inner lining. While a smaller stone usually exits the body through the urine, it could present difficulties if the stone becomes lodged in the urinary tract. PCNL surgery is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure that can be carried out to extract kidney stones that do not get out on their own.
If one is looking for an urologist in Delhi, one may visit Delhi Urology Hospital, owned by Dr. Niren Rao. Patients can feel more confident about the procedure’s safety and efficacy when they choose a knowledgeable and talented urologist like Dr. Niren Rao. To avail of the benefits, book an appointment now!
Read More:
Site Title 