Treatment for Kidney Stones

• Kidney Stones Treatment

This eMedTV resource describes various kidney stones treatment methods, such as ESWL, tunnel surgery, and ureteroscopy. In most cases, however, an increase in fluid is usually successful in passing kidney stones.

• Kidney Stones Medicine

For people with chronic kidney stones, medicine is available to help keep them from coming back. This eMedTV article describes the different types of drugs that are used and how they work to prevent kidney stones.

• Surgery for Kidney Stones

The different types of surgery for kidney stones described in this eMedTV resource include: extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, ureteroscopy, and major surgery. In most cases, stones pass without surgery or treatment.

• Cystoscopy

A cystoscopy allows your doctor to see the inside of your bladder and urethra. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at cystoscopy, which is a procedure that is used when a patient experiences urinary problems.

• Ureteroscopy

This segment of the eMedTV archives describes in detail how a ureteroscopy is performed and what to expect before and after the procedure. It is often recommended for people with kidney stones and allows the doctor to closely examine the ureter.

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy

This eMedTV article describes extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in detail. Also called ESWL, this is the procedure most often used for the treatment of kidney stones, which uses shock waves to them break up.

• Stents for Kidney Stones

In some cases, surgery is used to treat kidney stones and stents are then placed to help the ureter heal. This eMedTV page explains why stents for kidney stones are used, the potential complications, and what to expect after a stent has been placed.

• Kidney Stones and Diet

This eMedTV Web page takes an in-depth look at the link between kidney stones and diet. While there is no direct evidence linking the two, avoiding certain foods, such as coffee or dairy products, may help reduce the chances of developing them.