Can I return to work immediately after kidney stone fragmentation?
Disease description:
Recently, I've been experiencing pain during urination, so I went to the hospital for a checkup and was diagnosed with kidney stones. I subsequently underwent lithotripsy surgery. May I ask, can I return to work immediately after the kidney stone procedure?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Luo Yong
Whether a patient can return to work immediately after kidney stone fragmentation depends on several factors. If the patient undergoes minimally invasive surgery and has a light physical workload, returning to work after about 7 days of rest is generally feasible. However, if a stent is placed after the procedure or the job involves heavy physical labor, it may be necessary to wait until the stent is removed before resuming work, which could take one to two months. For smaller stones treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), recovery is relatively faster, and patients may only need one to two days of rest. However, patients with more severe conditions may require a longer recovery period. Regardless of the surgical method used, adequate rest, moderate activity, increased fluid intake, and dietary adjustments are essential after surgery to promote stone passage and overall recovery.
