Journal · kidney stones
Laser or shock wave? Choosing your stone treatment
How do I get rid of my kidney stone? Here are your options.
What will I learn about kidney stones in this article?
How do I get rid of my kidney stone? Here are your options. We will apply this to your own history when you come to our Johns Creek or Cumming office.
If your stone won't pass, there are three main ways to treat it. The right one depends on the stone's size, where it is, how hard it is, and your health.
Shock wave lithotripsy
Shock wave lithotripsy uses sound waves from outside the body to break the stone into sand. There's no scope and no incision. It's a good fit for kidney stones under 15 millimeters.
It's not a good fit for very hard stones, some lower kidney stones, or people on blood thinners. You pass the pieces over the next days to weeks.
Ureteroscopy with a laser
In ureteroscopy, a thin scope travels through the bladder and up to the stone, and the skin is never cut. A laser breaks the stone, and our urologists can remove the pieces. With our modern lasers, our urologists can treat most stones this way, even large ones.
Afterward, a temporary stent is placed and removed in about a week. While it's in, you may feel frequency and burning when you pee.
PCNL: reserved for the largest stones
Most patients don't need percutaneous nephrolithotomy, or PCNL. It's saved for very large stones. A small opening in the back lets our urologists reach the kidney directly. It's a bigger operation, done in a hospital, with a short stay.
Timing, the surgery center and risks
Our urologists can usually see you the same day or next day, and schedule surgery quickly. Shock wave and ureteroscopy cases are usually outpatient surgery in our own surgery centers, and most people are discharged home later that day. Every procedure and its anesthesia carry risks, like bleeding, infection and pieces left behind, and our team reviews yours first.
Warning signs that belong in emergency care
One rule never changes: fever or chills alongside a stone means an emergency. Go to the ER.
Preventing the next stone
Then let's stop the next one. Our urologists can find the cause of your stones with blood work and a 24-hour urine collection, and build a plan to help prevent future stones. Book through Advanced Urology at 678-344-8900.
