How are kidney stones removed?

Kidney stones can be removed in several ways, depending on their size, location, and individual patient factors. Here are the common methods for kidney stone removal:

1. Ureteroscopy and Laser Lithotripsy: This is a minimally invasive procedure used for stones located in the lower part of the kidney or the upper part of the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). A small, flexible instrument called a ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra, bladder, and into the ureter to reach the kidney stone. Laser energy is then used to break the stone into smaller fragments, which can then be passed naturally in the urine.

2. Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): SWL is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-energy shock waves to break larger kidney stones into smaller pieces. The shock waves are generated outside the body and focused onto the kidney stone using ultrasound or X-ray guidance. The fragmented stones can then be passed through the urinary tract.

3. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): PCNL is a surgical procedure used for larger or complex kidney stones. It involves creating a small puncture in the back and using a nephroscope, a thin lighted instrument, to reach the kidney stone. The stone is then either extracted whole or broken into smaller pieces using various instruments.

4. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS): RIRS is a minimally invasive procedure that combines the principles of ureteroscopy and PCNL. It involves using a flexible ureteroscope to access the kidney stone through the ureter and then using various instruments to break and extract the stone.

5. Open Surgery: In rare cases, open surgery may be necessary for large, complex, or impacted kidney stones that cannot be effectively removed using the above methods. The surgeon makes an incision in the back or side of the abdomen to access the kidney and directly remove the stone.

The choice of kidney stone removal method depends on the stone's size, location, composition, and individual patient characteristics. Your healthcare provider will recommend the most appropriate and least invasive method based on your specific情況。