Kidney Stones Treatment (continued)

Ureteroscopic Stone Removal – If ESWL doesn’t work, the doctor may next try this method if the stone is near or lodged in the ureter. In this method, the doctor passes a small fiber optic instrument up the urethra and through the bladder to locate the stone and either grab it or shatter it.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy – If the other methods don’t work or the stone is very large, then the doctor will probably try this method. The doctor will make a small incision in your back and create a small tunnel directly to the kidney. He will then find the stone and remove it. You will probably need to stay in the hospital for a few days while you heal.

How do you prevent kidney stones?

As we mentioned before, water is the best and cheapest way to help prevent kidney stones. You should try to drink 2 or 3 quarts of water per day. It is especially important to drink lots of water if you have already had kidney stones in the past.

Your doctor will need to tell you what types of food to avoid or cut back on depending on what type of kidney stones you have.

If you have calcium stones (the most common type), your doctor may ask you to cut back on salt and sodium in your diet. Excessive sodium causes you to lose more calcium in your urine. Common sense would tell you that you need to cut back on calcium intake, but this may not be necessary or wise.

Natural Kidney Stone Treatment