Kidney Stone Treatment

kidney pain regions

Kidney stones commonly cause pain in these areas.

Small kidney stones can usually pass on their own. When the stone passes, the urine should be strained so the stone can be saved and tested.

If a stone is too large or too painful, or it obstructs urine flow, surgery may be necessary. The type of treatment your Owensboro Health doctor chooses will depend on the size, makeup and location of the stone as well as your patient history.

Lithotripsy

The most common type of Lithotripsy is called Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy, or ESWL, and we offer this at Owensboro Health. The system uses high-energy shock waves to break the kidney stone into smaller pieces that can pass through the urine. It also uses x-ray technology to position the ESWL machine. The procedure usually takes from 45 minutes to 1 hour, and the patient will be sedated or put to sleep.

Owensboro Health also offers Laser Lithotripsy, which uses laser pulses to break up the Kidney Stone.

Ureteroscopy

With this technique, the Urologist inserts a scope into the patient's Urethra and up the Ureter to help locate the Kidney Stone. Once the stone is found, the doctor can remove it, with forceps or an instrument with a basket on the end, or break it up with a laser.

Surgery

Occasionally, surgery may be needed to remove a Kidney Stone. These procedures are rare but may be needed in special cases when a stone is especially large or other methods do not work.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy is used for large stones in or near the kidney, or when the kidneys or surrounding areas are incorrectly formed. The stone is removed with tube (Endoscope) that is inserted into the Kidney through a small surgical cut in the back.

Open Surgery

Rarely, a surgeon may need to make an incision in the patient's abdomen to reach and remove the Kidney Stone.

Looking to prevent Kidney Stones in the future? One way to learn what's causing your problem is with a lab test called a Urinalysis.

Owensboro Health Laboratory Services can perform this test to help your doctor determine the best course of action for you.