What Are the Treatments for Kidney Stones?

When chemicals in the urine fail to prevent the formation of hard, crystalline masses in the urinary tract, kidney stones result. Kidney stones can block the flow of urine, they can cause extreme pain, and if they are too large to pass, they may cause bleeding and infections. Today's treatment and prevention methods are numerous and far more desirable than the surgery required 20 years ago, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Shock Waves

• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the most common way doctors treat kidney stones that cannot pass naturally. Shock waves are sent through the body and aimed at the dense stones, which then break into smaller pieces, with the hope that they can then pass easily through the urinary tract. As opposed to the four- to six-week recovery time that kidney-stone surgery once required, this treatment can usually be done on an outpatient basis and requires only a few days of rest before the patient returns to a normal routine.

Surgical Treatment

• When stones are unusually large or it appears that ESWL will be ineffective, doctors may choose a surgical option called percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Even this procedure, however, is much less invasive than previous surgical methods. The surgeon uses an instrument called a nephroscope and enters the kidney through an incision in the back. Sometimes it is necessary to break up the large stone to remove it physically. The patient is usually in the hospital several days for recovery, according to the National Institutes of Health. One advantage that this procedure provides is the complete removal of the stones, so that the patient will not have to endure the painful process of passing the particles through urination.

Prevention

• By following some doctor recommendations, it is possible to greatly reduce the chances of developing kidney stones or having a recurring case, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  Drinking plenty of fluids is the first step in prevention. Doctors recommend passing 2.5 quarts of urine a day. Doing so would require drinking about 14 cups of liquids per day. Water and lemonade are best.

  Depending on the type of stones, a variety of prescription medications are available to prevent recurrence. Thiazide diuretics are used to treat patients with calcium stones, and allopurinol can reduce uric-acid levels in the blood to prevent uric stones. Consult a physician about possible prevention measures before you take any medications.

Most Stones Pass Naturally

• According to the National Institutes of Health, kidney stones do not usually require medical treatment or a surgical procedure. Most stones will pass naturally, although the process may involve some pain. If you have a kidney stone and you experience fever, chills, vomiting, severe pain that will not ease, blood in your urine, urine that smells unusual or looks cloudy, or burning sensations during urination, then it is a good idea to seek medical attention.