Best treatment options for kidney stones and their causes, with a focus on the services provided by Swanand Kidney Clinic in Bhosari, Pune:
Kidney Stone Causes
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. The most common types of kidney stones include:
Calcium stones - Formed from calcium and oxalate or phosphate, these are the most prevalent type of kidney stones.
Uric acid stones - Caused by high levels of uric acid in the urine, often linked to diet and obesity.
Struvite stones - Formed due to urinary tract infections that produce ammonia.
Cystine stones - Caused by a genetic disorder that leads to cystine buildup in the urine.
Key risk factors for developing kidney stones include:
Dehydration and not drinking enough fluids
A diet high in sodium, animal protein, and oxalate-rich foods
Obesity and diabetes
Family history of kidney stones
Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis
Proper hydration, dietary modifications, and treatment of underlying conditions can help prevent the formation of new kidney stones.
Kidney Stone Treatment Options.
The best treatment for kidney stones depends on the size, location, and type of the stones. The main treatment options include:
1. Watchful Waiting for Small Stones
Stones less than 10mm in diameter often pass on their own with proper hydration and pain management.
Patients may be prescribed alpha-blocker medications like tamsulosin to help relax the ureter and facilitate stone passage.
2. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
ESWL uses focused sound waves to break larger stones (10-20mm) into smaller fragments that can then pass more easily.
It is most effective for stones in the upper two-thirds of the kidney.
ESWL is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure performed under anaesthesia.
3. Ureteroscopy
For stones that cannot be cleared with ESWL or are located in the lower third of the kidney, ureteroscopy may be recommended.
This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a small scope through the urethra to locate and remove or break up the stone.
The doctor may leave a small stent in the ureter to facilitate stone passage after the procedure.
4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
PCNL is used for very large stones (over 20mm) or stones that cannot be effectively treated with other methods.
It involves making a small incision in the back to directly access the kidney and remove the stone.
PCNL is performed under general anaesthesia in a hospital setting.
The specific treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient based on factors like stone size, location, composition, and the patient's overall health. Consulting a urologist or nephrologist is recommended for comprehensive evaluation and management of kidney stones.
Kidney Stone Treatment at Swanand Kidney Clinic
Swanand Kidney Clinic in Bhosari, Pune is a leading provider of nephrology services, including the diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones. Patients have access to comprehensive, state-of-the-art kidney stone treatment in Bhosari services led by experienced nephrologist Dr. Snehal Gaikwad.
The clinic is led by Dr. Snehal Gaikwad, an experienced nephrologist who specializes in the management of kidney-related conditions.
At Swanand Kidney Clinic, patients with kidney stones can receive the following services:
Evaluation and Diagnosis
Comprehensive physical examination
Imaging tests like CT scans, X-rays, or ultrasounds to determine stone size, location, and composition
Blood and urine tests to analyze stone type and identify underlying metabolic factors
Treatment Options
Recommendation of appropriate treatment based on stone characteristics - including watchful waiting, ESWL, ureteroscopy, or PCNL
Prescription of medications like alpha blockers or citrate supplements to facilitate stone passage
Coordination of minimally invasive stone removal procedures as needed
Preventive Care
Dietary counselling to reduce risk factors and prevent recurrent stones
Monitoring of urine composition and metabolic factors
Prescription of medications to inhibit stone formation, if required.
Swanand Kidney Clinic is equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies to provide high-quality, personalized care for patients with kidney stones. The clinic's experienced team works closely with each patient to develop an effective management plan tailored to their specific needs.