Kidney Stones Research Paper

521 Words2 Pages

Kidney Stone Removal

Introduction
Kidney stones emerge from the accumulation of material in the urine which tends to clog the kidney urine drainage system. Usually, this material flows out of the urinary system along with the urine. However, over extended periods of time, this material forms larger masses which may result in blockage of the urinary tract. This blockage may predispose to infection which is characterized by bleeding and relentless pain. It can eventually lead to kidney failure.
The normal diet contains different chemicals. It is the accumulation of these chemicals that causes kidney stones. Most kidney stones contain calcium in the form of citrate, phosphate or oxalate.
In the medical world, kidney stones which form in
This can be investigated by a range of procedures. These include a CT scan of the kidneys and bladder in conjunction with an abdominal X-ray. Results obtained from the diagnosis and tests enable judgments’ relating to the stage to which the problem has developed and will inform decisions on the appropriate treatment
A number of these do not require a surgical operation.
A procedure known as “shockwave lithotripsy” (SWL) may be used in cases where the kidney stones are in the small and medium growth stage. This requires the patient to be put under anesthesia whilst sound waves of certain intensity are directed on the stone. The waves crush the stones whilst minimizing pressure to the surrounding muscles. The resulting stone fragments are then washed out of the urinary tract. The patient experiences limited pain when this fluid is discharged from the body.
SWL is more effective on treating less developed stages of kidney stone formation. This technique reduces the need for more extensive surgical procedures. It results in less pain and discomfort after treatment than other procedures. It has limited side-effects. SWL may also be used for out-patient treatment, thereby making it inexpensive.
Where the kidney stone is in an advanced stage, more complex procedures are used to treat and manage the disease.
Where the stone is in the kidney, a scope known as a “nephroscope” is normally used. This procedure is referred to as percutaneous

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