Urology, kidney stones

Welcome to Galaxy Hospital’s Urology Department: Expert Care for Kidney Stones

At Galaxy Hospital, we understand that dealing with kidney stones can be a painful and distressing experience. Our Urology Department is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by a team of experienced urologists who are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care. Whether you are suffering from a simple kidney stone or a more complex urological condition, our experts are here to help you on your journey to recovery.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. These stones can affect any part of the urinary tract, from your kidneys to your bladder. Kidney stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. While some stones are small enough to pass through the urinary tract without causing discomfort, larger stones can cause severe pain and other complications.

Causes of Kidney Stones

Understanding the causes of kidney stones is essential in both treatment and prevention. Kidney stones can form due to several factors, including:

1. Dehydration: Not drinking enough water each day can increase your risk of developing kidney stones. When you’re dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated, allowing more minerals to crystallize and form stones.
2. Dietary Factors: Diets high in protein, sodium, and sugar may increase the risk of some types of kidney stones. For example, high sodium intake can raise the amount of calcium in your urine, which can lead to the formation of stones.
3. Obesity: Obesity is linked to an increased risk of kidney stones. Obesity can alter the acid levels in your urine, promoting stone formation.
4. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism, gout, and some urinary tract infections, can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
5. Family History: If someone in your family has had kidney stones, you are more likely to develop them as well.
6. Certain Medications: Some medications, such as diuretics, antacids containing calcium, and some antibiotics, can increase your risk of kidney stones.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones may not cause symptoms until they move around within your kidney or pass into your ureter—the tube connecting the kidney and bladder. When this happens, you may experience:

1. Severe Pain: The most common symptom of kidney stones is severe pain, usually in the side and back, below the ribs. The pain may radiate to the lower abdomen and groin and can fluctuate in intensity.
2. Pain During Urination: As the stone moves closer to your bladder, you might experience pain while urinating.
3. Hematuria: Blood in the urine is a common symptom of kidney stones. The urine may appear pink, red, or brown.
4. Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine: Urine may appear cloudy or have an unpleasant odor if a urinary tract infection is also present.
5. Nausea and Vomiting: Kidney stones can cause the stomach to become upset, leading to nausea and vomiting.
6. Frequent Urination: Feeling the need to urinate more often than usual can be a sign of a stone moving into the lower urinary tract.
7. Inability to Urinate: In severe cases, a large stone may block the flow of urine, leading to an inability to urinate.

Treatment Options for Kidney Stones at Galaxy Hospital

At Galaxy Hospital, we offer a range of treatment options tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Our urologists will work with you to determine the best course of action based on the size, type, and location of your kidney stone, as well as your overall health.

1. Watchful Waiting: If the kidney stone is small, our urologists may recommend a period of watchful waiting. During this time, you may be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the stone out of your urinary tract.
2. Medications: Certain medications can help relieve the pain associated with kidney stones and assist in passing the stone. Other medications might be prescribed to prevent stones from forming in the future by controlling the levels of certain minerals and salts in your urine.
3. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces that can be more easily passed in the urine. ESWL is effective for most stones and is a popular treatment choice.
4. Ureteroscopy: For stones that are lodged in the ureter, our urologists may use a ureteroscope, a thin tube with a camera, to locate and remove the stone. This procedure is minimally invasive and does not require any incisions.
5. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): In cases where the kidney stone is large or ESWL is not effective, PCNL may be recommended. This procedure involves making a small incision in the back to remove the stone directly from the kidney.
6. Surgical Options: In rare cases, open or laparoscopic surgery may be required to remove large or complex kidney stones.

Preventing Kidney Stones

At Galaxy Hospital, our commitment to your health goes beyond treating kidney stones. We also focus on preventing future stones from forming. Some preventive measures include:

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your urine diluted, which helps prevent stone formation.
• Dietary Changes: Depending on the type of stones you’ve had, our urologists may recommend specific dietary changes, such as reducing sodium or limiting foods high in oxalates.
• Medications: For patients prone to recurrent kidney stones, medications may be prescribed to prevent new stones from forming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I do if I suspect I have a kidney stone?

If you suspect you have a kidney stone, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Our urologists can perform diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound or CT scan, to confirm the presence of a stone and recommend the best treatment options.

2. Can kidney stones be prevented?

Yes, many kidney stones can be prevented by making lifestyle changes, such as staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and taking prescribed medications. Our urologists can provide personalized advice based on your specific risk factors.

3. How long does it take to pass a kidney stone?

The time it takes to pass a kidney stone can vary depending on the size of the stone and its location in the urinary tract. Small stones may pass within a few days, while larger stones can take several weeks.

4. Are there any risks associated with kidney stone treatment?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with kidney stone treatment. However, at Galaxy Hospital, our experienced urologists use the latest techniques to minimize risks and ensure a safe recovery.

5. Will I need surgery for kidney stones?

Not all kidney stones require surgery. Many stones can be treated with less invasive methods, such as medications or ESWL. Surgery is usually reserved for larger or more complex stones.