Kidney Stone Treatment in Kolkata

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are a medical condition in which stones form in the kidneys. The stones, also called renal calculi, are composed of hard deposits of salts and minerals lodged in various body organs such as the kidneys, ureter, bladder, etc.

Kidney stones can form in one or both kidneys and impact any urinary tract area. The illness can affect anyone at any age, but it is most common in people between the ages of thirty and sixty. Kidney stones vary in size from the size of a ping-pong ball to a grain of sand. While large stones often require surgery, small ones usually pass through the ureter normally.

If you experience persistent pain in your kidneys or difficulties while passing urine, book your appointment with one of the best nephrologists in Kolkata at The Calcutta Medical Research Institute. They ensure effective diagnosis and appropriate kidney stone treatment solutions depending on individual requirements.

Different Types of Kidney Stones

The substances from which kidney stones originate determine the different forms of kidney stones. The most common components of kidney stones are calcium, phosphate, oxalate, uric acid, and, in rare cases, cystine and xanthine. Comprehending the different types of kidney stones will assist in identifying the underlying reason and help avoid future recurrence. For all of these kinds, it is vital to think about kidney stone therapy as soon as possible to avoid more serious issues in the future. Here are the four types of kidney stones:

Calcium stones: The most prevalent type of kidney stones are calcium stones, which frequently take the form of calcium oxalate. Around 80% of cases of kidney stones are calcium stones. Urine has higher calcium or oxalate levels due to certain diets, metabolic diseases, and calcium supplementation.
Struvite stones: It is often caused by urinary tract infections, these stones are less prevalent. These stones have no evident signs or warnings, but they can grow rapidly and are quite big.
Uric acid stones: People consuming a lot of animal protein daily develop uric acid stones. The uric acid stone risk may also be aggravated by particular hereditary variables.
Cystine stones: People with a genetic condition called cystinuria causing the kidneys to form excessive amounts of amino acids, are at risk for growing this form of kidney stone.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

The symptoms of kidney stones vary from patient to patient. Kidney stones can sometimes be silent and come with no pain or discomfort. They may not need medical intervention and typically pass away naturally. We refer to these stones as "silent stones." However, in extreme situations, the stones may cause patients to experience unbearable pain and discomfort. Stubborn stones are those that need to be treated medically. Rarely, the patient may need to be brought to the emergency room because the pain is so excruciating. Here are some of the common kidney stone symptoms:

Lower back pain or pain in one side of the body
Blood in your urine
Pain or discomfort while urinating
Frequent urge to urinate
Pink, red, or brown-colored urine
Nausea and vomiting
Fever or chills
Cloudy urine
Foul-smelling urine

When to see a Doctor for Kidney Stones Treatment?

The symptoms of kidney stones normally go away on their own. If that doesn't happen, the patient may be sent to the emergency room due to an increased chance of kidney disease. Consult a medical practitioner if you encounter any of the following:

Sharp pain around the flanks and under the ribs makes it complex for you to find a comfortable sitting position
Fever, chills, and vomiting coupled with nausea
Heightened discomfort that does not go away

Kidney stones cause

High urine concentrations of calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus are the main causes of kidney stones. Our kidneys remove harmful waste from the body through urine. On the other hand, low fluid intake augments the concentration of hazardous waste causing stones to form. Renal stone development can also be attributed to several risk factors. The following are risk factors that can raise the likelihood of stone formation:

Physical inactivity
Being overweight
Excess intake of salt in the food
Kidney stones family history
Heavy consumption of animal protein
Gastric bypass surgery
Digestive illnesses
Regular urinary tract infections
Medical conditions like renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism

Kidney stone diagnosis

Diagnosing kidney stones becomes difficult because the majority of them are silent. To confirm the existence of stones, the doctor could advise diagnostic testing if the symptoms are noticeable. Diagnosing kidney stones entails a physical examination including the assessment of the patient's medical history. Additionally, many diagnostic procedures help in identifying the root cause of renal calculi. Kidney stone diagnostic testing includes the following procedures:

MRI
Blood Tests
Contrast-enhanced CT scan
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test
UrinalysisAbdominal ultrasound
Kidney-ureter-bladder X-ray
Analysis of passed kidney stones

Kidney stone treatment methods

The severity of the problem, the type of stone, the location, the size, and the quantity of stones all affect how kidney stones are treated. The goal of the treatment is to further prevent the stones from coming back while removing the stones surgically or through urine.

Kidney stone treatment for mild to moderate symptoms includes food restrictions, drugs, treatments, and lifestyle changes that can avert the condition from growing worse. Doctors typically emphasize how important it is to stay hydrated and drink lots of water. Small stones can be flushed out by the body's excess fluid volume. Painkillers and alpha-blockers are examples of medications that relax the ureter's muscles to allow stones to pass through more easily. This lessens the discomfort and anguish caused by stubborn stones.

When a patient has large or difficult-to-remove stones, the doctor could suggest a surgical procedure in which the stone is removed through the use of surgical tools. Four surgical procedures are there that can be used to effectively treat kidney stones for long-term health benefits, depending on the size, location, and number of stones. Here are these procedures:

Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS)
Ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL)
Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)
Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy/Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

Pre-treatment instructions for kidney stones

Before receiving kidney stone treatment, it is crucial to comprehend and follow the pre-instructions given by medical professionals. Following these recommendations is essential to guaranteeing the treatment's efficacy and reducing any dangers or consequences. Patients can improve the effectiveness of their kidney treatment plan and maximize their general health by carefully adhering to these pre-instructions:

Dietary Adjustments: Before receiving kidney treatment, patients may need to make some dietary changes. This frequently entails controlling protein intake, restricting meals high in potassium, and cutting back on sodium.
Maintaining adequate hydration is critical for kidney health and for many medical interventions. It's critical to carefully adhere to the hydration recommendations advised by your healthcare practitioner.
Before the procedure, patients receiving kidney treatment might need to modify their drug schedule. To treat particular symptoms or diseases, this may entail adding additional medications, adjusting dosages, or temporarily eliminating some medications.
Laboratory tests are frequently performed before treatment to evaluate the state of the kidneys, electrolyte levels, and general health. These tests assist medical professionals in customizing treatment regimens to meet the needs of each patient and in determining any possible dangers or contraindications.
If a patient is instructed to fast, they should do so.
Lifestyle choices including drinking alcohol, smoking, and engaging in physical activity can have a big impact on kidney health and how well a treatment works. Before receiving treatment, patients may be urged to give up smoking, drink less alcohol, and exercise frequently.

Post-treatment instructions for kidney stones

The following are the post-treatment instructions for kidney stones:

Hydration: To help wash away any leftover stone fragments and stop new stone formation, drink a lot of water.
Pain management: Adhere to the recommended dosage of painkillers and consult your doctor if your discomfort continues or gets worse.
Dietary Changes: Make sure to maintain a balanced diet low in oxalate-rich foods like spinach and almonds to lower the likelihood of a stone recurrence
Medication Compliance: Including antibiotics and drugs to prevent the formation of stones, take prescribed medications as indicated.
Follow-Up: Keep track of kidney health and stone clearance by showing up for planned follow-up sessions for imaging and urine testing.
Lifestyle: Adopt healthy habits such as frequent exercise and limiting salt intake to maintain kidney health.

What does recovery look like after kidney stone treatment?

Recovery usually involves passing any leftover stone fragments, gradually returning to normal activities, and relief from severe pain after kidney stone treatment. During this time, patients may have slight discomfort or blood in their urine. Staying hydrated is important for making stone transit easier and preventing recurrence. Follow-up visits evaluate kidney function and ensure proper healing. Within a few days to weeks, most patients return to their regular activities. Following treatment guidelines helps ensure the best possible outcome and reduces the probability of growing kidney stones in the future.

Why Choose CMRI for Kidney Stones Treatment in Kolkata?

The Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI) is one of the largest multispecialty hospitals in Kolkata. Our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology which has revolutionized the healthcare industry for the best surgical outcomes.

In addition, our hospital has several eminent physicians, surgeons, and healthcare providers of national and international repute for comprehensive and personalized treatment. CMRI provides patient-centric care and empathy from internationally trained nurses to ensure holistic care for patients seeking the best treatment for kidney stones. Here are a few advantages of choosing CMRI for your kidney stones treatment -

Highly qualified and experienced surgeons
440-bed capacity along with cutting-edge technology and the latest medical equipment
Hygienic and patient-friendly infrastructure
Screening and diagnosis
Transparent Pricing Structure for cost-effective treatment
Patient-centric high-quality care for a high success rate
Pain management and palliative care
Complete and coordinated care for patients with all types of cancers.

Get in touch with our leading urologists at CMRI, Kolkata for the best kidney stone treatment.

Our Clinical Experts

Dr. Sunil Kumar

Senior Consultant Nephrologist & Kidney Transplant Physician - Renal Sciences Experience: 18+ Years