2 minutes

Removal of Kidney and Urinary Stones Using Laser Lithotripsy

Most stones are so small that they move to the bladder and are passed in the urine even without treatment. Larger stones can get stuck in the renal pelvis or in the ureter, causing severe pain and other discomfort. These stones usually have to be removed from the body with surgery.

In the Confraternität Private Hospital, laser lithotripsy is used, among other techniques, to remove kidney and urinary stones. What examinations are carried out in advance?

Before the procedure, the kidney or ureter stones are thoroughly diagnosed and evaluated using imaging techniques such as ultrasound, X-rays or CT scans. Blood tests and other tests may be performed to ensure the patient is suitable for the procedure. The patient is informed about the operation in detail before the procedure.

How is the procedure carried out?

A flexible, thin-walled tube called endoscope or ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra into the ureters and up into the kidney. The endoscope contains a small channel through which a thin laser fiber is inserted. The endoscope is positioned so that the laser beam is aimed directly at the kidney or ureter stone.

The laser is activated and the focused beam of light is directed at the stone. The laser produces high-energy light that shatters the stone into tiny fragments. After fragmentation, the small stone fragments either pass through spontaneously, or they are removed using special retrieval baskets or with rinses. In some cases, it may be necessary to insert a ureteral splint after the procedure. The operation can be carried out under general or local anesthesia.

What are the advantages of laser lithotripsy?

Laser lithotripsy is an effective method for treating kidney and ureter stones, especially when other non-invasive methods have not been successful. It offers the advantage of quick recovery and low postoperative pain compared to traditional open surgeries.

What risks are associated with the procedure?

Procedures to remove stones are usually hardly stressful for the patient. As with any procedure, there are potential risks, e.g. bleeding, infection, injury to surrounding tissue. In general, modern endoscopic operations in combination with laser lithotripsy are low-risk and are considered standard procedures in the treatment of kidney and ureter stones.

How long does the hospital stay last?

Patients usually stay in the hospital for one night after the procedure, or a maximum of two nights. Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual recovery of the patient.

What are the advantages of treatment at the Confraternität Private Hospital?

Patients are given detailed advice and receive a therapy recommendation tailored to their individual problem, including anesthesia. The operation is carried out by proven specialists with many years of experience who have at their disposal the most modern surgical equipment at the Confraternität Private Hospital.

Please contact us for further information or appointments!

Contact:

Confraternität Private Hospital

Skodagasse 32
1080 Vienna • Austria

T: +43 1 401 14-5873
E: international@pkj.at