Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones: Procedure, Benefits & Recovery
Pain, difficulty urinating, hematuria, nausea, and vomiting may occur due to kidney stones. While kidney stones may sometimes pass naturally, there are situations where surgery is required to remove the stones. Laser kidney stone treatment is one of the common techniques for the removal of kidney stones, typically done by ureteroscopy procedure.
Laser stone treatment technique enables a urologist to find and pulverize the kidney stone into pieces of dust or small fragments that are easily removable through urination. The technique does not involve making any cuts externally and depends upon the size and location of the stone.
If you want to understand kidney stones in more detail, you can also read this guide on kidney stone symptoms, causes and treatment.
What Is Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones?
Laser therapy for kidney stones is a minimally invasive process that helps break up or remove stones from the urinary tract. Laser stone therapy is usually done when there is ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy.
In this case, a thin ureteroscope is inserted through the natural urinary tract into the bladder and then into the ureter or kidney. Once the stone is identified, a tiny laser fiber is used to fragment the stone.
Based on the nature of the stone, the fragments can either be:
- Removed by a tiny basket
- Fragmented into extremely small fragments, often referred to as “dusting”
- Permitted to exit via the urine
Since there is no incision made externally due to the use of the natural urinary tract, ureteroscopy can be done for stones in the ureter and selected kidney stones.
When Is Laser Kidney Stone Treatment Recommended?
It is not all cases of kidney stones that require laser therapy. Some smaller stones may be passed naturally through medical observation.
Some situations that may prompt a urologist to suggest laser therapy include:
- When the stone cannot be passed naturally
- The stone causes continuous pain
- The stone blocks the passing of urine
- The stone causes recurrent problems with urination
- The presence of complications because of the stone
- The stone is in a situation in which ureteroscopy can be applied
- The unsuccessful application of some other procedure
This will depend on various considerations. For a broader overview of treatment options, see the kidney stone treatment guide.
How Does Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones Work?
1. Pre-procedure evaluation
Before treatment, the urologist evaluates the stone and your overall health. Depending on the case, this may involve urine and blood tests along with imaging such as an ultrasound, X-ray or CT scan.
Imaging helps determine the stone’s size and location and assists the urologist in choosing an appropriate treatment approach.
2. Anaesthesia
Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy is generally performed under anaesthesia so the patient remains comfortable during the procedure. The exact anaesthesia plan depends on the procedure and individual circumstances.
3. Ureteroscope is inserted
The urologist carefully passes a thin telescope through the urethra into the bladder and then towards the ureter or kidney.
This allows the stone to be directly visualised without making an incision through the skin.
4. The stone is treated with a laser
Once the stone is identified, a fine laser fibre is used to break it into smaller pieces.
For suitable stones, the laser may be used to dust the stone into very small fragments. Larger fragments may instead be removed using a small retrieval basket.
5. A temporary stent may be placed
In some cases, the urologist may place a temporary ureteric stent after the procedure. A stent helps maintain urine drainage while the ureter heals.
Not every patient necessarily requires a stent, and its use depends on the circumstances of the procedure.
Benefits of Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones
Laser treatment has become an important option for managing many ureter and kidney stones because it combines direct stone access with minimally invasive treatment.
Minimally invasive approach
The procedure is performed through the natural urinary passage rather than through an external incision. This can reduce the need for conventional open surgery.
Effective stone fragmentation
The laser can break stones into smaller pieces or dust, making it possible to remove or pass the fragments.
Direct visualisation
Unlike treatments that rely only on external targeting, ureteroscopy allows the urologist to directly see the stone and treat it.
Suitable for different stone locations
Flexible ureteroscopes can allow treatment of stones located in parts of the kidney that may be difficult to access through other approaches.
Short recovery for many patients
Many patients can return home on the same day or after a short period of observation, depending on the procedure and their overall condition. Normal activities may often resume within a few days, although individual recovery varies.
Laser Treatment vs Other Kidney Stone Treatments
Laser treatment is not the only form of treatment available for kidney stones. The urologist would have to choose other methods such as observation, medicines, ESWL, or surgery depending upon the condition of the patient.
The ESWL involves the use of external shock waves for breaking down the stones into tiny fragments that are able to come out along with urine. This is not similar to laser lithotripsy where the treatment takes place from inside using the ureteroscope.
For bigger or more difficult to treat kidney stones, another form of treatment like PCNL would be recommended.
Thus, there is no single best treatment for all patients. There are many factors that need to be considered before choosing the treatment method.
Recovery After Laser Kidney Stone Treatment
Recovery after ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy is usually relatively quick, but some temporary symptoms can occur.
You may experience:
- Mild burning while urinating
- Increased urinary frequency or urgency
- Mild discomfort
- Blood in the urine for a short period
- Discomfort related to a temporary ureteric stent
These symptoms generally improve as the urinary tract heals. If a stent has been inserted, discomfort may continue until it is removed.
Your urologist will provide specific instructions regarding fluids, medication, activity and follow-up.
How long does recovery take?
Many patients can return to normal activities within a few days, depending on the complexity of the procedure and how they feel. Heavy physical activity may need to be avoided temporarily.
Recovery is individual, so it is important to follow the instructions provided by your treating urologist rather than relying only on general timelines.
What Should You Do After the Procedure?
Following the guidance of your urologist is essential for a healthy recovery process.
It may include:
- Getting enough fluids as long as your doctor hasn’t limited the amount of your daily liquid consumption
- Taking the prescribed medication on schedule
- Performing some physical activities as suggested
- Being inactive as suggested before receiving clearance
- Attending your appointment
- Removal of your temporary stent when recommended
In addition, it is essential for preventing kidney stones formation in the future; however, your own fluid needs have to be discussed with your physician, especially if you suffer from other diseases that affect fluid intake.
For more details, learn about kidney stones diet and recovery.
When Should You Contact a Doctor After Laser Treatment?
Slight discomfort and presence of blood in the urine may be experienced after stone treatment. Nevertheless, there are symptoms that require immediate attention by the physician.
You should contact your doctor immediately if you have:
- Fever or chills
- Severe or increasing pain
- Heavy or persistent blood in the urine
- Trouble or inability to urinate
- Severe weakness or feeling ill
Fever with the presence of urinary obstruction or severe pain may suggest a potentially serious complication.
Can Kidney Stones Come Back After Laser Treatment?
Yes. The extraction of the kidney stone does not guarantee the absence of the occurrence of new ones.
The prevention of kidney stones includes drinking sufficient amounts of water, diet correction, analysis of the stone and search for risk factors. Prevention of kidney stones should be individual and depend on their type and personal risks.
It explains why the treatment of kidney stones cannot be limited to their removal. It is very important to understand the reasons for their development in order to prevent their occurrence in the future.
Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones in Siliguri
If you have a kidney stone diagnosis and you’re thinking about getting laser treatment done, then consulting with an expert urologist will help you decide on the suitability of your condition to undergo ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy.
Dr. Siddharth Jai Singh is a Consultant Urologist, Andrologist, Laparoscopic and Renal Transplant Surgeon from Siliguri. His fields of interest are urolithiasis and his procedures listed are ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy.
You can learn more about Dr. Siddharth Jai Singh and his urology services in Siliguri or explore his urology and kidney stone treatment services.
Conclusion
Laser treatment for kidney stones is one of the minimally invasive procedures that are very useful in breaking down and removing many of the stones present in either the ureter or the kidney through ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy whereby the doctor locates the stone, breaks it down, and removes it.
However, laser treatment may not be the best choice for all patients since the treatment to be considered will depend on factors such as the size and location of the stone, and other symptoms.
In case you have pain from the kidney stone, blood in the urine, urination problem or recurrent stones, please see a competent urologist.