Can a 25 cm kidney stone undergo flexible ureteroscopic surgery?
Disease description:
I felt severe abdominal pain yesterday, so intense that I couldn't walk. After visiting the hospital for an examination, a 25 cm kidney stone was discovered. May I ask if flexible ureteroscopic surgery is an option?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Guang
Flexible ureteroscopic surgery is a common minimally invasive treatment method, suitable for stones located in the kidney and the upper segment of the ureter. However, this surgical approach is not appropriate for kidney stones with a diameter of up to 25 centimeters.
The normal size of a human kidney is approximately 12-13 centimeters in length, 6-7 centimeters in width, and 3-4 centimeters in thickness. A stone measuring 25 centimeters in diameter significantly exceeds the normal dimensions of the kidney. Because of the large stone volume, the operation time may be relatively long, and a single procedure may not be sufficient to completely fragment and remove the stone.
Flexible ureteroscopic surgery can be used to treat various ureteral conditions, including ureteral stones. However, in this particular case, due to the massive size of the stone, the surgical procedure may be complex and may require multiple operations to fully remove the stone. Prolonged surgery and complicated procedures may increase the patient's risk of complications, such as infection and bleeding.
For patients with a 25-centimeter kidney stone, it is recommended to undergo treatment under the guidance of a physician. In addition, adequate preoperative preparation and postoperative care should be provided before and after the surgery.
