How are kidney stones treated in Singapore?

Doctor's Answers 1

The recommended types of surgical treatment for kidney stones depends on:

  1. size of stones
  2. location of stones
  3. complications from stones

Treatment options include:

  • Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy

  • breaking stones using shockwaves applied via a treatment head placed on the body

  • stones are fragmented due to these waves and the patient would then pass out these fragments in the urine over the next 2- 4 weeks

  • Flexible ureterorenoscopy or retrograde intrarenal surgery

  • a flexible scope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder up the ureter to the corresponding kidney and the stones are fragmented using a laser fibre and the fragments would be retrieved using a special basket inserted via the scope

  • Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

  • a small cut is made on the skin (usually in the flank) and the corresponding kidney is punctured and the kidney stone(s) will then be fragmented using a combination of different equipment (e.g. ultrasonic lithotripter, pneumatic lithotripter, laser) and the fragments removed via the tract that has been created from the skin to the kidney.

  • Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery

  • this is the combination of both options 2 and 3 at the same sitting and is usually performed for complicated stone surgery

In a nutshell, this will be how stones are treated in Singapore. As there are many ways to skin a cat, do consult your urologist regarding the best treatment option for your condition.

Similar Questions

How do I differentiate kidney stones from other causes of abdominal pain?

You will need a CT scan to rule out urinary or kidney stones.

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How can I reduce the calcium content in my blood if I have an overactive parathyroid and recurrent kidney stones?

The cause of your kidney stones could in fact be due to high calcium levels resulting from an overactive parathyroid gland, (or hyperparathyroidism). The parathyroid gland produces the hormone PTH, which increases calcium levels in your body. Normally, when calcium levels in your blood fall too low, your parathyroid glands secrete PTH to restore the balance. PTH raises calcium levels by releasing calcium from your bones and increasing the amount of calcium absorbed from your small intestine. When blood calcium levels are too high, the parathyroid glands produce less PTH.

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