Understanding Kidney Stones and Symptoms
Kidney stones form when minerals and salts crystallize in the urinary tract. While small stones may pass naturally, larger or recurrent ones require medical intervention.
Common Symptoms: ● Severe back or abdominal pain
● Blood in urine (hematuria)
● Painful or frequent urination
● Nausea, vomiting, or fever (in case of infection)
● Difficulty passing urine if stones block the tract
Non-Surgical & Lifestyle Care Before considering surgery, small kidney stones may be managed with:
● Increased water intake and hydration
● Pain-relief medications
● Dietary changes (reducing salt, oxalate, and animal protein)
● Medical expulsive therapy for smaller stones in the ureter
When these measures fail or stones are too large, surgical options are required.
Laser Stone Surgery Laser stone surgery, also known as laser lithotripsy (via ureteroscopy), uses a thin scope and a laser fiber to break stones into fine fragments.
Benefits of Laser Stone Surgery:
● Minimally invasive, no external cuts
● High precision in breaking stones
● Suitable for stones in kidney and ureter
● Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery
● Lower risk of recurrence compared to some traditional methods
Traditional Surgery for Kidney Stones Traditional approaches, though less common today, are still used in select cases. These include:
● Open Surgery: Rarely performed, involves direct removal through an incision.
● Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A small incision in the back is made to remove large or complex stones.
● Conventional Lithotripsy: Uses shock waves externally but may require multiple sessions.
Comparative View: Laser vs Traditional Surgery ● Laser Stone Surgery – Minimally invasive, faster recovery, ideal for most small to medium stones.
● PCNL / Open Surgery – Preferred for very large, hard, or complex stones.
● Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) – Effective for moderate stones but less precise than laser.
The best treatment depends on stone size, hardness, location, and patient health conditions.
FAQs: Choosing Between Laser and Traditional Surgery Q: Is laser stone surgery painful?
A: No, it is performed under anesthesia and patients usually experience
minimal discomfort afterward.
Q: How long does recovery take?
A: Most patients resume normal activities within a few days after laser
surgery, while traditional surgery may require weeks.
Q: Is traditional surgery still used?
A: Yes, for very large or complex stones that cannot be treated with laser.
Q: Which option is safer?
A: Both are safe, but laser stone surgery is less invasive and generally associated with quicker recovery.
Expert Kidney Stone Care in Pune If you are struggling with kidney stones and unsure which treatment is right for you, visit The Urology Clinic, Pune. I specialize in advanced procedures like laser surgery while also offering traditional solutions when needed—ensuring safe, effective, and personalized care.
About Dr. Ketan Pai 
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