Top 10 FAQs on Kidney Stones

1. TOP 10 FAQS ON KIDNEY STONES DR. NIREN RAO Best Urologist in Delhi www.drnirenrao.com

2. www.drnirenrao.com DR. NIREN RAO Kidney stones are one of the most common complications among people when it comes to the kidney, ureter, and bladder. More people have started experiencing this problem, probably due to their unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity. Experts say that with early diagnosis, a healthy lifestyle, and regular exercise, one can recover from it completely. In this article, Dr. Niren Rao, a leading urologist, has answered the most frequently asked questions about kidney stones. He is a renowned urologist who practices at the leading facility, Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice, and is known for offering the best kidney stone treatment in Delhi. Continue reading for more insights. Question 1. What are Kidney Stones? Kidney stones, also called renal calculi, are solid crystals that are produced by urine salts. These stones are classified according to their color, size, or shape. These crystalline chunks form in the kidneys and urinary tracts. Question 2. What Causes the Occurrence of Kidney Stones? The following factors contribute to the formation of kidney stones: Urinary Infection: Kidney stones form when minerals, water, and salt present in the urine go out of proportion. Calcium Levels: A high level of calcium in the urine can lead to the formation of kidney stones. Furthermore, the release of calcium from the kidney into the urine can result in kidney stones. Inadequate Water Intake: When people fail to drink adequate water, stones develop in the kidneys. Hypercalciuria: Hypercalciuria is a condition in which calcium from the diet is absorbed in excess of what is required. It gets in the urine and leads to the formation of stones. Genetics: A family history of kidney stones is likely to increase the chances of the next generation also getting them. Question 3. What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones? Following are a few symptoms experienced by people suffering from kidney stones: Nausea Abdominal Pain Urinary infections Frequent urination Fever Vomiting Pain in the back Experiencing any of these symptoms? Book a consultation with Dr. Niren Rao, a highly experienced and the best urologist in Delhi, at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice for a complete evaluation. PAGE 2

3. www.drnirenrao.com DR. NIREN RAO Question 4. Do Kidney Stones Have the Possibility of Recurring? People who have a history of kidney stones are more likely to get them. As a result, such individuals should seek regular medical consultation to avoid a recurrence. Question 5. How Can Kidney Stones Be Diagnosed? Kidney stones are diagnosed through imaging, blood, and urine tests. Following are the tests suggested by the expert urologist: Imaging Tests: Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, etc. enable the doctor to examine the internal organs thoroughly. These imaging tests help locate the exact size and location of kidney stones. Kidney Stone Analysis: The patient is instructed to pass a stone through his or her urine and collect it using a kidney stone strainer. It is then delivered to a laboratory for additional chemical testing. Urinalysis: A urine sample of 30–60 mL is obtained and analysed for the presence of bacteria and potentially dangerous microorganisms. Urinalysis can detect not only kidney stones but also any other irregularities or impairments. Kidney Ultrasound: An ultrasound machine uses sound waves that create images on the screen and reveal stones or other irregularities in the kidney. Question 6. What is the Age Group Most Affected by Kidney Stones? Experts suggest that kidney stones are more common in young people in their 20s or 30s. Question 7. What are the Different Treatment Options for Eliminating Kidney Stones? Following are the different treatment options for removing kidney stones: PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) PCNL, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy, is one of the most popular kidney stone surgeries. It is done for stones that are larger than 2 cm in size. A small incision is made in the back or flank, which leads up to the stone. A nephroscope is used to fragment the stones, and afterwards, a DJ stent is placed in the kidney, which is later removed after a week. MINI PCNL With advancements in techniques, MINI PCNL is also widely performed for eliminating kidney stones. This treatment option is used to remove stones as small as 7-8 mm using probes and lasers. Uretero-renoscopy (URS) Stones that get stuck in the ureter are treated using a ureteroscope. The ureteroscope is passed through the urinary passage, and once it reaches the stone, the stones get fragmented into small pieces using a Holmium laser or a pneumatic lithoclast. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) In this treatment option, a flexible ureteroscope is passed through the urinary passage and then directly into the kidney. With the help of a Holmium laser, the kidney stones are fragmented. No cut is made in the skin, and it is an effective procedure to remove stones that are in difficult locations inside the kidney. PAGE 3

4. www.drnirenrao.com DR. NIREN RAO Question 8. Can Beer Effectively Remove Kidney Stones? No. It is a myth that drinking beer can help one get rid of kidney stones. Beer, on the other hand, stimulates the production of kidney stones by increasing calcium levels in the urine. Question 9: Are there any fruits and vegetables that should be avoided because they can cause kidney stones? Spinach is a leafy green vegetable with a high oxalate content. The oxalate in spinach mixes with calcium in the urine, forming a calcium oxalate stone, a type of kidney stone. Tomatoes are another oxalate-rich component found in everyday cooked foods. Guava, beetroot, and sweet potatoes are a few fruits that are high in oxalate and should be avoided. Question 10. What is the Cost of Kidney Stones? The cost of kidney stones will depend on the severity of the ailment and the type of procedure performed. Other factors include diagnostic centers, medications, etc. To know how much kidney stones cost in Delhi or to avail the benefits of the various options for Kidney Stone treatment in south delhi, book a consultation with Dr. Niren Rao, a reputed urologist at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice. CONTACT US www.drnirenrao.com info@drnirenrao.com + 91 9811144680 PAGE 4