Summary
Laser treatment for kidney stones, also called laser lithotripsy, is a common approach that aims to crush larger kidney stones into smaller ones in a non-invasive fashion.
The term lithotripsy literally means “stone breaking” or “stone crushing”. In this process, doctors pass a very thin instrument, i.e., a ureteroscope, through your natural urinary passage. This device goes through your urethra, bladder, and ureter without an external incision.
Kidney stones are a more common problem than you think. If you have ever experienced excruciating flank pain just below the ribs, it is most likely due to kidney stones.
Kidney stones are pebble-like masses that form when the minerals in your urine concentrate. These stones eventually move into the ureter, causing unbearable pain and discomfort.
If you have just been diagnosed with kidney stones, you might be looking for possible treatment options. Many professional healthcare services in the UAE suggest laser treatment for kidney stone removal due to its less invasive nature.
But is this treatment right for your specific case? This is a question that often bothers patients, and this is what this blog is all about.
- What are Kidney Stones?
- What Symptoms Can Kidney Stones Cause?
- What Is Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones?
- How Does Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones Work?
- What Are the Benefits of Laser Treatment?
- Is The Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones Right for You?
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones refer to hard salt or mineral deposits that form inside your kidneys, specifically in the part where the urine leaves the tissues and enters the urinary collection system of your body.
These stones form when minerals like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid become highly concentrated and crystallize inside the kidney.
From the kidneys, these stones move into the ureter, which is a narrow tube that drains urine from the kidneys and takes it to the bladder. Kidney stones that are smaller than 5mm can usually pass through the urine easily.
However, larger stones can get stuck in the kidney or the ureter. To remove these stones, laser treatment or invasive surgeries are the best option.
The UAE has a relatively higher occurrence of kidney stones in adults in comparison with other regions. The main reason for this is the region’s hot climate, which causes dehydration. When your body loses more fluids than it consumes, it creates a perfect environment for the creation of kidney stones.
Apart from a hot climate, kidney stones can also result from a sedentary lifestyle and following an unhealthy diet. Insufficient water intake and taking certain minerals in excessive amounts can also lead to this issue.
What Symptoms Can Kidney Stones Cause?
Smaller kidney stones do not show noticeable symptoms. These stones pass through the urinary tract without causing obstructions or pain. It is when the stones become very large and get stuck that you start seeing symptoms.
Here are some important signs that show you might have kidney stones.
- Severe pain that comes in waves in the back, side, or lower abdomen.
- There is blood with urine along with a burning sensation.
- You feel the urge to urinate often.
- You experience fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it is important to seek immediate assistance from a professional urology consultant in the UAE.
What Is Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones?
Laser treatment for kidney stones, also called laser lithotripsy, is a common approach that aims to crush larger kidney stones into smaller ones in a non-invasive fashion.
The term lithotripsy literally means “stone breaking” or “stone crushing”. In this process, doctors pass a very thin instrument, i.e., a ureteroscope, through your natural urinary passage. This device goes through your urethra, bladder, and ureter without an external incision.
After that, the experts point an intense laser fiber at the stones to break them into tiny fragments that can either be removed physically or that you can pass through the urine without pain.
How Does Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones Work?
Laser lithotripsy is a useful kidney stone removal treatment that can break down very hard or large kidney stones in the ureter or kidneys with the help of precise and targeted lasers.
Certified urologists from expert urology services in the UAE use high-intensity lasers that emit concentrated energy waves to break down these stones. You have to go through sedation or general anesthesia for this treatment.
After the stones break down, the doctor can either remove them with the urethroscope, or they will pass through your urine safely.
Here is how a typical laser treatment procedure for kidney stones follows.
- The doctor performs blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound imaging, and a CT scan to determine the location, type, or size of the stone.
- At the time of treatment, specialists put you under general anesthesia to make sure you feel no pain.
- Then they insert a ureteroscope through the urinary tract to locate the stone using a built-in camera.
- After that, they pass a high intensity laser through the ureteroscope to break the stones into smaller pieces and remove large fragments physically.
- They can also place a ureteral stent, which is a small, flexible tube that prevents blockage and helps urine flow from the kidney to the bladder while you heal.
- After the procedure, you can go home the same day or within 24 hours based on your condition.
- You might experience mild discomfort during urination, slight blood in the urine, increased urinary frequency, and temporary stent-related symptoms after the treatment, which go away within a few days.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Treatment?
Laser treatment for kidney stones is extremely effective. This minimally invasive approach revolves around comfort and quick recovery. A study comparing laser lithotripsy with ESWL consistently shows that the laser treatment leads to higher first-procedure success, fewer retreatments, and a lower likelihood of residual stone fragments.
Here are some notable benefits of laser treatment that make it a better option for you.
- High Success Rates
This treatment can destroy larger stones in various urinary tract locations with very high success rates. The use of a ureteroscope ensures every kidney stone is crushed precisely. Research shows that the ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy results in stone-free rates of about 90–95% within 1 month for most kidney and ureter stones.
- No Surgical Incisions
In this process, specialists insert thin ureteroscopes and laser fibers directly into the urinary passage of your body with extreme care. There is no need for external incisions to access the stones, which reduces pain and discomfort after the procedure.
- Faster Recovery
The recovery after this procedure is also quick. You can go home the same day and resume light activities in 2-3 days. This is what makes this treatment a better option for UAE residents and expats who live a dynamic home and work life.
- Precision
This treatment option offers greater precision. The highly advanced equipment for laser lithotripsy ensures every stone is treated with minimal damage to the surrounding tissues. This enhances procedure success rates and leads to quicker recovery.
- Suitable for Different Stone Types
Laser treatment can work on all types of kidney stones, no matter their size, material, or location. Research reveals that this treatment can fragment kidney stones, ureteric stones, hard stones resistant to ESWL, and even stones in difficult locations within the kidney with high success rates. This treatment is effective for calcium stones, uric acid stones, cystine stones, and certain mixed stones as well.
Is The Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones Right for You?
Now to the main question. Is laser treatment for kidney stones the right option for you, or do you need to go with surgery? The answer to this important question depends on several factors.
- Stone Size
If the size of the stone is less than 5mm, you do not really need this treatment. However, if the stone is larger than 20mm or 2 cm in diameter, you will need to go with the laser treatment, as in this case, the natural passage of the stone becomes very difficult.
- Stone Location
This treatment is the most effective when the stones are in the kidney or the ureter. If the stone has moved further, you will need surgical interventions.
- Stone Composition
The composition of the stone also plays a role in this decision. If the stone consists of struvite, cystine, uric acid, or calcium materials, you can destroy it with laser lithotripsy.
- Current Health Status
Healthcare specialists also look at your age, kidney health, chronic conditions, and current health status to make sure you are eligible for the laser treatment.
Conclusion
Laser lithotripsy is a minimally invasive but highly effective treatment option for people with moderate to large kidney stones. This precise treatment relieves kidney stone symptoms and restores normal urinary flow, allowing you to return to your normal routine fairly quickly.
Laser lithotripsy is the number one choice for patients in the Emirates, like Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, as it offers both better safety and a quicker recovery. This treatment is right for you if your kidney stones are larger than 20mm and you need immediate relief from the severe symptoms.
However, it is always a good idea to talk with your urologist first before you make this important choice. This can help you minimize complications while you go through the procedure and the recovery phase.
Schedule an appointment with Dubai Medical University Hospital (DMUH) today to get the best laser treatment for kidney stone removal under the guidance of our competent, caring, and compassionate healthcare experts. Our doctors specialize in precise, customized, and minimally invasive techniques for kidney stone removal to ensure both your safety and comfort every single time.
FAQs
Is laser lithotripsy safe for kidney stone treatment?
Yes. This is a non-invasive procedure where experts in urology use thin ureteroscopes and lasers to find and crush kidney stones.
Can kidney stones return after the laser treatment for their removal?
Kidney stones can return even after a successful laser treatment. However, the ratio of recurrence is very low with this treatment.
What is the success rate of kidney stone removal with laser lithotripsy?
This treatment shows a success rate of above 90% for the removal of kidney stones from both the kidney and the ureter. This treatment can work on kidney stones of all sizes, shapes, and materials.
What is the duration of a laser kidney stone surgery?
It takes about 30 to 90 minutes for this procedure to complete. The exact duration depends on the size, hardness, and number of stones that the laser has to crush.
Disclaimer:
“This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 998 (UAE) or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.”
