KIDNEY STONE SURGERY IN NIGERIA
A kidney stone is a hard deposit of dissolved minerals that takes place in the kidney. It can lead to blood in the urine and can be very painful when going through the urethra. Nevertheless, it is painful but kidney stones are not dangerous.
Some kidney stones can disappear on their own. Others which do not can be taken out both surgically and through non-invasive procedures. There are four types of treatments or non-invasive procedures which may also be carried out:
Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL):This is a non-invasive procedure that is used mostly to take out small kidney stones. No cuts are made for this procedure. It depends on non-electrical shockwaves that are transmitted through the body to hit the kidney stones. This assists in the breakdown of the stones into smaller pieces. The procedure might have to be repeated once more if it does not give results in the first instance.
Ureteroscopy:No cuts are made in this procedure. The doctor makes use of a urethroscope, which is thin and flexible, to get to the kidney through the bladder and ureter. This assists them to find and dispose of the stones with a cage-like device. If the stones are larger, shockwaves will be used to break them down. A stent may be used at the time of the surgery to make the urine to pass from the kidney to the bladder.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): If the stone is large and cannot be removed through Extracoporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy, PCNL is an option. The surgeon makes an incision in the back or the side and makes use of a nephroscope to find and take away the kidney. Sound waves or laser might be needed to break up larger stones for removal. A stent(tube) is saved in the kidney to allow the urine to drain.
Open Surgery: If there are complications like urinary infection or kidney damage, the doctor would possibly recommend open surgery. Depending on the position of the stone, an incision is will be made. The surgeon makes use of a urethroscope to spot the kidney, which is broken down with unique instruments and then taken out.
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