MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MS General Surgery, Christian Medical College Vellore
Urologist, Mumbai
•
34 years experience
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You correctly answered out of 5 questions
What are some risk factors for developing kidney stones?
1 of 5
Kidney stones is one of the most common kidney problems, and they often run in families and are recurrent. The pain that is associated with kidney stones is very indicative of the condition, and most patients are able to identify it. While stones less than 3 mm are usually passed on their own, larger ones need to be broken down so that they can then pass through urine. If you have a strong family history of kidney stones, try to make diet and lifestyle changes to avoid getting kidney stones.
Managing kidney stones does not require hospitalization
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Surgical correction using both ureteroscopy and extracorporeal shock waves is done as an outpatient. The idea is to check for the exact location of the stone and/or to break them down. Once they are broken down, the patient should strain the urine to monitor if they have been passed. Straining urine as a preventive measure is also done by people who are highly prone to develop kidney stones.
What are some treatment options for kidney stones?
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Kidney stone management options include treatment and prevention. When a person presents with kidney stone, immediate treatment includes pain control and if required breaking the stones into smaller fragments. This needs to be followed up with dietary and lifestyle changes so that recurrence can be prevented. When at risk for kidney stones, increase water intake to up to 3 liters per day.
Surgery is a permanent solution for kidney stones
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Surgical intervention is only for large stones, and definitely does not prevent recurrence. Those with a family history or predisposing factors definitely are prone to develop recurrence. Surgery is only a correction for the stones which are in the kidneys currently. Preventive measures definitely play a role in avoiding recurrence. Most stones pass on their own and only those above 6 mm require surgery, so check with your doctor to confirm if surgery is actually required.
What are some preventive measures to avoid kidney stones?
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Kidney stones run in families and are recurrent. So, there is a good chance that there are many experts available for advice. Pay heed, as passing stones is a very painful experience. And the other option is surgery!! Increase urine output, even if it is embarrassing to pay so many visits to the toilet. Alter diet so that the input for the stone formation is removed. Calcium, oxalate, and phosphates are proven to be contributors for stone formation.