Stone surgery refers to the treatment approaches that cover the clearance of stones that form in the urinary tract (kidney, ureter, and bladder) and do not pass on their own, using surgical or interventional methods. Although many stone diseases can be treated with closed and minimally invasive methods today, surgical intervention may be unavoidable in some large or complicated stones.
The main aim of this treatment is to eliminate the stones that block urine flow, thereby preserving kidney function and preventing recurrent infection and pain.
Main Purpose
- To clear stones that block urine flow
- To preserve kidney function
- To reduce the risk of pain and infection
- To prevent recurrent obstructions
Areas of Use
1. Large kidney stones
- Stones of a size that cannot pass on their own
- A stone burden covering a large area within the kidney
2. Persistent ureteral stones
- Stones stuck in the channel that do not move
- Cases that cause pain and obstruction
3. Bladder stones
- Stones accumulated or enlarged inside the bladder
- Conditions usually associated with a urine flow disorder
4. Complicated stone diseases
- Multiple stones
- Recurrent stone formation
- Cases accompanied by an anatomical disorder
Surgical and Interventional Methods
The methods used in stone surgery are selected according to the size, location, and hardness of the stone:
1. Endoscopic stone surgery
- Breaking or removing the stone with ureteroscopy
- Fragmentation with laser (lithotripsy)
2. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL)
- Removal of large stones by opening a small access route to the kidney
- The standard method especially for “large kidney stones”
3. Open or laparoscopic surgery
- Preferred in very large or complex stones
- Situations where other methods are insufficient
4. Endoscopic breaking in bladder stones
- Breaking and clearing the stone with cystoscopy
Advantages
1. Fast stone clearance
- Obstruction is relieved in a short time
2. Preservation of kidney function
- Damage due to long-term obstruction is prevented
3. Fast relief of complaints
- Signs of pain and infection decrease
4. An effective solution in recurrent procedures
- Successful results in complex stone diseases
Possible Risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Inability to completely clear the stone
- Ureteral or kidney damage
- The possibility of recurrence
- The need for a temporary urinary catheter
The Post-Operative Process
- Short-term hospital monitoring may be needed
- Plenty of fluid intake is recommended
- If a stent has been placed, temporary discomfort may occur
- Stone-free status is evaluated with follow-up imaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Do stones recur?
Yes. Because stone disease is often associated with metabolic and lifestyle factors, it can recur. For this reason, not only clearing the stone but also investigating the cause is very important.
Is stone surgery a definitive solution?
It eliminates the existing stones, but if the underlying cause continues, a new stone can form.
Is there pain after the operation?
There may usually be mild to moderate pain after the procedure, and it is brought under control in a short time.
Do stones pass with medication?
Small stones can pass in some cases, but for large or stuck stones, interventional treatment is usually needed.
When is the return to daily life after the operation?
With most closed methods, patients can return to their daily lives in a short time.
Why is a stent placed?
It is used temporarily to ease urine flow, reduce swelling, and ensure the protection of the kidney.
What should be done to prevent stones from forming again?
Drinking plenty of water, a proper diet, salt and protein control, and a metabolic evaluation are recommended.
Clinical Summary
Stone surgery is a comprehensive treatment field that allows the clearance of stones causing obstruction in the urinary system with modern endoscopic, laser, and, when necessary, open surgical methods; it aims to preserve kidney function and rapidly improve the patient’s quality of life.
