Treatment for kidney stones

Home » For Patients » Treatment for kidney stones

Treatment for kidney stones

The treatment for a kidney stone depends on various factors:

Size of the stone
Location of the stone
Hardness of the stone

Your doctor decides the treatment for your kidney stone based on his expertise and the equipment available in the hospital.

Following are the common treatment for kidney stones.

Medical expulsive therapy

Medical expulsion therapy involves the use of medications to aid in the passage of kidney stones. Alpha-blockers are commonly prescribed to relax the muscles in the ureter, facilitating stone passage and reducing pain.

Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL)

ESWL is a non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break large kidney stones into smaller fragments. The fragmented stones can then pass more easily through the urinary tract. This treatment is generally effective for stones measuring less than 2 cm and is often performed on an outpatient basis.

Ureteroscopy (URS/fURS)

This procedure involves the insertion of a thin, flexible scope into the ureter to locate and remove the stone or break it into smaller pieces using laser technology. Ureteroscopy is typically done under anesthesia and requires a short hospital stay.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

PCNL is a surgical procedure used to treat large or complex kidney stones. It involves creating a small incision in the back to access the kidney directly and remove the stone. PCNL is usually recommended when other treatments have failed or are unsuitable for specific stone types.

Click on the hotspot image to know your indications of treatment for SWL.

The indications of the SWL are based on recommendations from European and American Urology Association guidelines. There can be variations of your internal kidney anatomy that may not be suitable for you., and hence your doctor may offer you alternative treatment.

80% of all stones can be safely treated by SWL.

Treatment for kidney stones