Do ureteral stones require surgery?
Sep 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, ureteral stones may not require surgery. For smaller ureteral stones—typically less than 0.6 cm in size—with smooth surfaces and no significant urinary tract obstruction or infection, conservative treatment may be sufficient, avoiding the need for surgical intervention. Conservative management includes increased fluid intake, moderate physical activity, and the use of anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and analgesic medications to facilitate stone passage.
Generally, whether surgery is needed for ureteral stones mainly depends on the size of the stone. If the stone is small, surgery is usually not required. However, larger stones may require surgical intervention.
For smaller ureteral stones—typically less than 0.6 cm in diameter—with smooth surfaces and no significant urinary tract obstruction or infection, conservative treatment may be sufficient, avoiding the need for surgery. Conservative management includes drinking plenty of water, engaging in moderate physical activity, and using anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and analgesic medications to promote stone passage and relieve symptoms. This non-invasive approach is suitable for ureteral stones smaller than 2 cm in diameter. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) generates shock waves outside the body that are focused on the stone, breaking it into smaller fragments that can then be passed naturally in the urine.
However, surgical treatment is often necessary when the stone is large, has been lodged for a prolonged period, causes severe urinary obstruction leading to hydronephrosis, or results in unrelenting severe pain, recurrent infections, or impaired kidney function.
In daily life, it is advisable to increase intake of fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in vitamin A and fiber, such as carrots, spinach, and apples. These foods help maintain an acidic urine environment and reduce the risk of stone formation.
