How To Treat Kidney Stones With Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

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How To Treat Kidney Stones With Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

24 February 2017
 Categories: , Blog


The main function of the kidneys is to get rid of toxins and excess water from your blood. It also prevents proteins, bacteria, and waste products from building up in your bladder and kidneys. If you want to keep your kidneys working efficiently, then you must drink enough water.

Water helps your kidneys to absorb nutrients. Not drinking enough water can result in developing kidney stones. Read on to find out how to treat kidney stones with percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hardened minerals that form because of a decrease in urine or from an increase of the material that forms the stones found in your urine. These minerals come in a variety of sizes and can travel through your urinary tract.

Large stones tend to get stuck in the urinary tract. When a stone gets stuck, it blocks the flow of your urine. This results in bleeding and severe pain. When this occurs, urology surgery may be necessary to remove the kidney stones.

What Are The Symptoms?

Most people do not know they have kidney stones until they become symptomatic. In the beginning, you may not experience any symptoms. Common symptoms include pain when urinating, pain in the back and abdomen, vomiting, nausea and bloody urine. The pain level can vary from short aches to persistent pain. It is also possible to pass small stones through your urine. However, only 10 percent of people with this condition pass a stone at some point.

­What Is A Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)?

A percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is done when you have large kidney stones, several kidney stones, or complex kidney stones in one kidney. This surgery is performed by a urologist with the help of an interventional radiologist. These two specialists work together to make a channel into the drainage system of your kidney. This incision allows your urologist to gain access to the stones.

What Is Done To The Stones?

The channel into your drainage system allows your doctor to use special tools to break up your kidney stones. The broken pieces are plucked out or vacuumed out of your kidney. Before closing your incision, a drainage tube is left in place temporarily to help your kidney drain.

Many people underestimate the importance of drinking water. Your body uses water in your organs, cells, and tissue. It also controls temperature and maintain bodily functions. When you do not drink enough water, a condition like kidney stones can occur.

For more information about kidney stones and other medical conditions, talk with a urologist, such as Bollinger James R, M.P..