Kidney stones are the condition caused due to formation of hard deposits of mineral and salts in the kidneys. Though, it is usually seen to be occurring in kidneys, it can happen anywhere in the urinary tract.
There are different types of kidney stones. The four types of kidney stones are – calcium stones, uric acid stones, cystine stones and struvite stones.
How Long Do You Stay in The Hospital for Kidney Stones Treatment?
The treatment of kidney stones may be as simple as drinking enough water and taking some medicines, and there might be no need to get hospitalized whereas, in other instances, the treatment might not be as simple and may require hospitalization for a few days. The duration of the stay in the hospital during the treatment of kidney stones entirely depends upon the choice of treatment.
The treatment of kidney stones can be mainly categorized as non-invasive and invasive treatment. The non-invasive method includes simple measures like increasing your water content per day. Also, some medicines can be recommended to help relax the ureter, so that the passing of the stone is not that painful. Painkillers are prescribed in order to alleviate the mild pain caused while passing of the stone.
Invasive treatment for kidney stone removal is used when non-invasive methods fail, or when the stone is of such a size that cannot be passed through the urine normally. Sometimes, location of the stone also decides whether it can pass easily through the urine or it requires some special attention to get removed. This method includes one or a combination of the following techniques-
Lithotripsy- this is a kidney stone removal method in which some sound waves are used to create strong vibrations, which break a large stone in tiny pieces, thereby easing its removal in the urine. This procedure may take about half an hour to one hour and can be moderately painful. Hospital admission is necessary as anasthesia or sedation may be given to make one comfortable.
Surgery- surgery for kidney stone removal is recommended where lithotripsy fails to do the job. Herein, a small telescope and specialized instruments are used, and a small incision is made at the back to do the job. This is usually done under general anesthesia and one may have to stay in the hospital for at least a day or two to recover.
Ureteroscopy- The procedure of ureteroscopy for kidney stone removal is done with the use of a lighted tube, which has a camera, and which is inserted through the urethra to the bladder and to the ureter. This also requires local or general anesthesia and hence you may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two.
In some cases, where the origin of stone lies in some other part of the anatomy, the treatment of that part may be needed to stop the formation of the stones. The treatment and the duration of the stay in the hospital will then depend on the organ and the cause responsible for kidney stones.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones present with several troublesome symptoms. One such symptom is severe pain. This pain may be in the back, below the ribs, or on sides. At times, this pain may radiate from the back to the sides and then lower abdomen and groin. The pain can be intermittent in nature. It is usually not continuous and comes and goes in bouts. Also, the pain may change in intensity and location, which happens because the stone moves into the urinary tract from one place to another, causing irritation and pain as it moves along. There may be pain during urination. Also, the urine may be pinkish or cloudy, or foul smelling even. There might be a constant urge to urinate and there may also be incomplete urination, due to the blockage. If there is some infection of the urinary tract, then it might be accompanied with fever, and sometimes chills too. Nausea and vomiting can also be present.
-
Mayo Clinic – Kidney Stones: Get insights into kidney stones, their types, symptoms, and treatment options from Mayo Clinic.
-
National Kidney Foundation – Kidney Stones: The National Kidney Foundation provides a comprehensive overview of kidney stones, including causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.
-
Cleveland Clinic – Kidney Stones: Cleveland Clinic offers detailed information on kidney stones, their treatment options, and what to expect during the process.
-
MedlinePlus – Kidney Stones: MedlinePlus provides reliable information about kidney stones, including risk factors, symptoms, and treatment approaches.
-
Urology Care Foundation – Kidney Stones: Explore valuable resources on kidney stones, including their types, diagnosis, and treatment options, from the Urology Care Foundation.
Also Read:
- Kidney Stones or Renal Calculus: Types, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Treatment, Investigations
- Can Drinking Beer Help Get Rid of Kidney Stones|What Other Food and Drinks Help Get Rid of Kidney Stones
- How to Dissolve Kidney Stones Naturally?
- Can Eating Tomatoes or its Seeds Cause Kidney Stones?
- What is the Purpose of a Stent for Kidney Stones?
- Can Baking Soda Help Get Rid of Kidney Stones?
- What Would Happen If Kidney Stones Are Left Untreated?