Kidney stones treatment will depend on the stones size and the patient’s condition. Relief from pain and ridding the body of the stones is the goal of the treatment. In some instances hospitalization (though rare) may be required for the treatment of kidney stones. If surgery is required it can be non-invasive or invasive based on positioning and size of the stones in the body. However, surgery will not take care of the causes or keep them from reoccurring.

No permanent damage is typically done with the removal of the kidney stones; although a strict diet will be coupled with other restrictions after the removal. This is because if you get them once you are likely to get them again. Following the instructions of a physician or dietician can help to reduce the likelihood of these occurring.

The first step in proper treatment is diagnosing kidney stones is. There are various methods used to make a diagnosis.

*X-rays/Ultra Sounds – this gives size and placement of the stones in the body.

*Urine/ Blood tests – determine that the kidney stones actually are present.

In many cases kidney stone are small and will leave the body naturally through urination, all that is needed is to increase the fluid intake to do so. However, there are times when hospitalization is required. In these cases the body is normally hydrated with IV fluids and a special diet is followed. This will ensue for a couple of days before the alternatives are discussed with you. It is possible to make larger stones smaller stones with non-surgical methods. However there are times when surgery is the only way to get out the larger stones, as they can they can block the urinary tract and cause the kidneys to swell.

An alternative to surgery is now ESWL or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. Shockwaves are sent to the stones and shatter them into smaller pieces that can pass though the urine stream easily. There is no hospital stay required and a few days are all that is needed in order to recover from this type of kidney stones treatment. The side effects are minor such as bruising, discomfort and urine containing blood. A person should avoid taking aspirin after this type of procedure.

Sometimes an ureterscope is put into the urethra and the bladder and all the way to the ureter to remove stones lodged in the ureter. This kidney stones treatment can either remove the stone or break it into smaller pieces so that it can exit the body normally. Access is gained to the kidney by a small incision on the back. Stones are removed with the utilization of a nephroscope. A short stay in the hospital and a drainage tube is used to help keep healing as fast as possible.

With Kidney stones treatment can vary and is determined according to the severity of the problem. The type and size of the stones will be the deciding factor as to what type of treatment is needed, whether it be medications, surgery or through natural means.