Can Kidney Stones Be Treated Without Surgery? Non-Surgical Ways to Treat Kidney Stones

If you’ve ever experienced the sharp, stabbing pain that comes with a kidney stone, you know just how miserable it can be. You might be tempted to call up the nearest surgeon and beg them to remove the offending stone as quickly as possible. But what if we told you that there are non-invasive ways to treat kidney stones? That’s right. You don’t have to resort to going under the knife to get relief. In fact, a variety of natural remedies and non-invasive treatments can help you pass those pesky stones with ease.

What Are The Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are a common urological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The symptoms of kidney stones can vary depending on the stone’s size, location, and composition. The most common symptom of kidney stones is intense pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen, which is often described as excruciating or unbearable. The pain can come and go in waves, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a fever. In addition to pain, people with kidney stones may experience blood in the urine, frequent urination, a burning sensation during urination, and an urge to urinate even when the bladder is empty. 

Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of UTIs.

The location of the stone can also affect the symptoms. If the stone is in the ureter, the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder, people may experience pain that radiates from the back to the groin. In some cases, the stone may obstruct the urinary tract, which can lead to a urinary tract infection or kidney damage. The symptoms of kidney stones can be severe and debilitating, and prompt medical attention is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Can You Treat Kidney Stones Without Surgery?

Yes, most kidney stones can be passed out at home without risk. According to most studies, stones smaller than 10 mm in diameter can pass spontaneously through the urinary tract. Simple remedies like drinking more water and complicated minimally invasive procedures like ureteroscopy are your best bet to avoid getting under the knife. 

1. Hydration

Drinking water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to force a kidney stone to pass. Kidney stones are often caused by dehydration, which leads to a build-up of minerals and other substances in the urine. By drinking more water, you can dilute the urine and help prevent the formation of new stones. 

  • One study found that drinking at least 2.5 liters (84 ounces) of water per day can reduce the risk of kidney stone recurrence by up to 50% in people with a history of kidney stones. The study also found that increasing water intake can help flush out small stones that are already present in the kidneys, reducing the need for more invasive treatments like surgery or lithotripsy.
  • Another study found that drinking water with a higher pH (alkaline) can help dissolve certain kidney stones, particularly uric acid stones.
  • Research shows that drinking water can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, which can also lead to the formation of kidney stones.

In conclusion, drinking water is a simple and effective way to prevent and treat kidney stones, and it has numerous other health benefits as well. The recommended amount of water intake varies based on individual factors such as weight and activity level. Still, a good general guideline is drinking at least 2 liters (68 ounces) of water daily.

kidney stones

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

There is limited scientific evidence to suggest that apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help prevent or treat kidney stones. While ACV is often promoted as a natural remedy for kidney stones, only a few small studies have investigated its potential benefits. 

A study published in the Journal of Urology examined the effect of ACV on urinary pH levels in healthy volunteers. The researchers found that ACV could increase urinary pH levels, which could help prevent the formation of uric acid stones. Still, there was no evidence that ACV could dissolve existing stones or prevent the formation of other types of stones. 

While ACV may benefit kidney stone prevention, more research is needed to determine its efficacy and safety. It’s also important to note that ACV should be consumed in moderation, as excessive consumption can lead to side effects such as tooth erosion and gastrointestinal distress.

kidney stones

3. Medical Therapy

Your doctor might recommend medical therapy for your kidney stones. Medical therapy for kidney stones involves the use of medications to help prevent the formation of new stones, dissolve existing stones, or manage the symptoms of kidney stones. The type of medication used depends on the type of stone and the underlying cause of the stone formation.

According to research, medical therapy can effectively prevent stone recurrence and reduce the need for surgical intervention. Medicines like thiazide diuretics and allopurinol, in particular, have been shown to be effective in preventing stone recurrence. 

If you are looking for an answer to how to force a kidney stone to pass? Quality medicine like Cystone might be your answer. It helps the natural expulsion of kidney stones. The herbal blend supports the management of urinary tract infections, preventing the formation and worsening of kidney stones. It also claims to resolve symptoms related to kidney stones.

However, it is to be noted that medical therapy may not be appropriate or effective for all patients and that the decision to use medication should be based on individual factors such as stone composition and underlying medical conditions.

4. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive procedure used to treat kidney stones. It involves the use of high-energy shock waves to break up the stone into smaller pieces, which can then pass out of the body in the urine.

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of ESWL in treating kidney stones. 

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis published found that ESWL had a success rate of approximately 73% in treating kidney stones. 
  • Another study published in the journal Urology found that ESWL successfully treated stones in 75% of patients.

While ESWL is generally considered a safe and effective treatment option for kidney stones, it may not be appropriate for all patients. For example, ESWL may not be effective in treating very large or hard stones and may be associated with certain complications such as bruising, bleeding, and infection.

5. Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy

Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for treating large or complex kidney stones. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the back, and a scope is inserted to access the kidney. The stone is then broken up using a laser or ultrasound energy, and the fragments are removed through the scope.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of PCNL in treating kidney stones. 

  • A study found that PCNL had a stone-free rate of 88% and a complication rate of 13%. 
  • Another study published in the Journal of Endourology found that PCNL had a success rate of 91% in treating stones larger than 2 cm.

While PCNL is generally considered to be a safe and effective treatment option for kidney stones, it may not be appropriate for all patients. For example, patients with certain medical conditions may not be good candidates for the procedure, and it may be associated with certain complications such as bleeding, infection, and injury to surrounding structures.

6. Ureteroscopy

Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat kidney stones. It is done by inserting a small scope into the ureter to access the stone and remove it. The scope can either have a laser to break up the stone or a basket-like device to grasp it and remove it.

Several studies have shown that ureteroscopy is an effective treatment for kidney stones. 

  • Research states that ureteroscopy has a success rate of 91% for the treatment of kidney stones. 
  • Another study found that ureteroscopy had a success rate of 97% for stones located in the upper ureter.

One advantage of ureteroscopy is its ability to treat stones located in various parts of the urinary tract. But patients with certain medical conditions may not be good candidates for the procedure, and it may be associated with certain complications such as bleeding, infection, and injury to surrounding structures.

In Conclusion

Many non-invasive and minimally invasive options are available to get rid of your kidney stones. You must let your doctor make this decision for you, as different stones require different procedures depending on the location, size, and type of stone. 

Home
Sale
About Us
Blogs
CBD
Our Facilities
Our Services
Berdi