Why should anyone take any precautions to avoid getting a kidney stone? To the uninitiated or someone who has never had kidney stones, they are simply small, insignificant stones formed in your kidney by minerals and salts. What harm can come from such small things?
“Ask anyone who has had a kidney stone, and they will tell you about the colicky pain that comes with it,” Dr. M. Sree Kiran says. Dr. Kiran is the chief urologist at Peacock Hospital in Tiruttani and a kidney stone specialist.
According to Dr. Kiran, colicky pain is an intense sharp pain in the side of the stomach and back that radiates to the groin and lower abdomen. This type of pain manifests itself in waves, with periods of constant dull aches in between. The colicky pain caused by kidney stones can be excruciatingly debilitating, causing one to lose control of their senses. The gravity of the situation is highlighted by the fact that the aviation industry regards it as a serious health risk for its pilots. “If a pilot experiences colicky pain while flying, the intensity of the pain may cause him or her to lose control, which can be disastrous for the flight. Therefore, pilots are advised to have kidney stones removed as soon as possible, regardless of size,” explains Dr. Kiran.
To treat kidney stones, Dr. Kiran recommends either retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Both methods have a high success rate at Peacock Hospital. The size of the kidney stone determines whether RIRS or PCNL is used. PCNL is the preferred method for removing large stones, while RIRS is used for smaller stones. Dr. Kiran, on the other hand, wants to warn people about extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), an outdated procedure that is still used in some hospitals. “This is an unspecific technique that will necessitate multiple sessions, and there is no guarantee that all of the stones will be removed using this technique.” As a result, Dr. Kiran does not recommend this procedure at Peacock Hospital.
Following the surgery to remove kidney stones, certain dietary changes must be made to ensure that kidney stones do not reoccur. “People frequently ask me if they should completely avoid certain foods, such as tomatoes, milk, milk products, and so on, from their diet. Most people cannot commit to this for an extended period. Instead, my advice to my patients is to reduce the intake of salt, fried foods, oils, meat, etc.,” says Dr. Kiran. He also suggests drinking 3-4 liters of water per day. It is critical to take note of the amount and color of the urine. Darker urine indicates dehydration, in which the body attempts to conserve water by passing concentrated urine. To ensure the complete removal of kidney stones and to prevent recurrences, Dr. Kiran recommends a renal output of 2-2.5 liters per day with clear or straw-colored urine.
“Kidney stones and the colicky pain associated with them are serious issues. If you notice any symptoms, see a urologist and get the necessary treatment to avoid complications in the future,” Dr. Kiran advises.
