Kidney Stone Surgery in India

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form when urine becomes concentrated, ranging from tiny grains that pass on their own to larger stones that block urine flow and cause severe pain. When a stone is too large to pass naturally, or is causing infection, kidney damage, or persistent pain, one of several surgical approaches is used to remove or break it up, chosen based on the stone's size, location and composition.

ESWL (shockwave lithotripsy)

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy uses focused shockwaves delivered from outside the body to break a stone into smaller fragments that can then pass naturally in the urine. It's the least invasive option, generally used for smaller stones in favourable positions, requiring no incision or internal instruments, though some stones need more than one session to fully clear.

URS and RIRS (ureteroscopy and retrograde intrarenal surgery)

Both techniques pass a thin scope through the urethra and bladder, without any external incision, to reach the stone directly. Ureteroscopy (URS) is generally used for stones in the ureter, while retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) uses a flexible scope that can reach stones within the kidney itself. Once located, the stone is typically broken up using a laser fibre and the fragments removed or left to pass naturally.

PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy)

For larger or more complex stones, PCNL is used, accessing the kidney directly through a small puncture in the back, through which instruments are passed to break up and remove the stone. It's more invasive than the other options and involves a longer hospital stay and recovery, but is generally the most effective option for large stones that other techniques can't adequately clear.

Stents and stone analysis

A temporary double-J stent, a thin tube that keeps the ureter open while healing occurs, is often placed after URS, RIRS, or PCNL, and is typically removed 1 to 4 weeks later in a quick outpatient procedure. Removed stone fragments are usually sent for analysis to determine their composition, which helps guide dietary and preventive advice, since kidney stones have a well-known tendency to recur without appropriate follow-up.