The best treatment for kidney stones
Disease description:
I was diagnosed with urinary stones at the hospital. How should this condition be managed? I would like to ask the doctor what is the best treatment for urinary stones?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
The optimal treatment methods for urinary stones include the following:
1. General treatment: For patients with small stones or no obvious symptoms, treatment can be achieved by adjusting lifestyle habits, such as avoiding prolonged bed rest and engaging in appropriate walking. Diet-wise, it is recommended to have a balanced intake of meat and vegetables, drink plenty of water, and avoid holding urine.
2. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): Suitable for kidney stones and upper ureteral stones. This method uses high-energy shock waves generated outside the body and focuses them on the stones to break them into smaller particles, which can then be more easily expelled in the urine.
3. Endoscopic surgery: Includes ureteroscopic lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, etc., suitable for larger stones or stones located in special positions. The endoscope is inserted directly into the urinary system, and lasers or other tools are used to fragment and remove the stones.
4. Stone expulsion therapy: Suitable for patients with small, smooth stones that have not caused complete urinary tract obstruction. Commonly used medications include tamsulosin, allopurinol, potassium citrate, etc., which help dilate the ureters and promote stone expulsion.
