When Is Ureteroscopy The Best Solution For Kidney Stone Removal?
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Kidney stones can affect virtually anyone and –in some cases – can be one of the most painful experiences of a person’s life. With a wide range of stone sizes, shapes, compositions, and locations possible, kidney stone treatment is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. When it comes to ureteroscopy specifically, stones in the ureter are best suited to treatment. However, there are additional scenarios – including those involving stones in the kidney – when ureteroscopy is considered the kidney stone treatment of choice. At Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL, board-certified urologists Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian and Dr. Ali Kasraeian are highly experienced in the complexity and uniqueness of kidney stone removal and treatment and are proud to offer the most cutting-edge tools and technologies available to help patients get the much-needed relief they deserve. Keep reading to learn more about when ureteroscopy vs. ESWL and PCNL should be considered.
How do I know if I have a kidney stone?
There are several signs and symptoms that are classically associated with kidney stones, though some kidney stones have a unique presentation. Still, other kidney stones cause no symptoms at all. Generally speaking, kidney stone symptoms include:
- One-sided flank pain or back pain
- Pain radiating to the back
- Pain with urination (dysuria)
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Frequent urination
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever or chills
During your initial consultation for a kidney stone in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Kasraeian will discuss your symptoms, perform a urinalysis, and order any necessary imaging studies to confirm your diagnosis. Pending those findings, Dr. Kasraeian will recommend the most appropriate kidney stone removal treatment for you.
What are my options for kidney stone removal?
The most fitting kidney stone treatment option for you will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Type of kidney stone
- Size of kidney stone
- Location of kidney stone
- Kidney stone symptoms
- Overall health
Based on these factors, Dr. Kasraeian may recommend one of the following:
- Watchful waiting
- Ureteroscopy with basket extraction and/or laser lithotripsy
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
- Percutaneous nephrostolithotomy (PCNL)
What kinds of kidney stones can be treated with ureteroscopy?
Ureteroscopy, which involves inserting thin instruments through the urethra, remains the ideal treatment for renal stones located in the ureter, virtually independent of their size. For ureteral stones under 7mm, ureteroscopy with basket extraction is typically a successful treatment. Stones in the ureter measuring 7mm or larger may require laser lithotripsy to first break up the stone so that it can successfully be removed in fragments.
Even stones in the kidneys themselves – known as nephrolithiasis – can often be removed with ureteroscopy and basket extraction alone, thanks to the highly advanced flexible ureteroscopes and other instruments available today.
For stones in the ureter that measure 5mm or less, Dr. Kasraeian may recommend watchful waiting along with increased fluid intake to encourage natural passing of the stone.
Get fast relief and long-lasting comfort with kidney stone removal and treatment in Jacksonville, FL
Even after a kidney stone has been removed, it is important for patients to understand what may have caused their stone and how to prevent future kidney stones. At Kasraeian Urology, our expert team shares in patients’ desires to remain stone-free and offers comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and more to prevent the formation of subsequent stones. To learn more about your options for kidney stone prevention and removal, call Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL to schedule your private consultation with board-certified urologists Drs. Ahmad and Ali Kasraeian today.