Kidney or ureteral stones are common diseases in modern times. One out of every ten people suffers from kidney stones, and kidney stones mostly occur in middle-aged individuals, with more cases in males than females. The treatment of kidney stones requires a comprehensive analysis based on the size, location, and number of stones. Generally, we classify the basic treatment methods for kidney stones into the following 4 categories:
1. Stone elimination method
In traditional Chinese medicine, there are many prescriptions for stone elimination. Stone elimination therapy can be used as the first-line treatment for ureteral stones with a diameter of less than 8 millimeters. The specific method involves drinking plenty of water, jumping, and taking anti-inflammatory and ureteral dilation drugs, allowing the stones to be expelled from the body along the ureter, bladder, and urethra under the force of gravity. The choice of drugs depends on the nature of the stones and the control of urinary tract infection. This method is the most simple but not suitable for large stones or complex stones.
2. Stone fragmentation method
The stone fragmentation method, also known as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), involves placing the patient on a lithotripsy bed. After locating the stones using ultrasound, the doctor focuses the shock waves on the stones, using the principle of energy focus to instantly crush the stones. The stones "shatter" while causing minimal damage to the normal tissues outside the focus. The stone fragmentation method can be used for kidney stones with a diameter of less than 20 millimeters.
3. Minimally invasive method
The minimally invasive method represents the advanced level of modern medicine. It replaces the majority of open surgeries. For ureteral stones, a long instrument and a laser fiber are inserted through the urethra, bladder, and ureter, guided by a camera connected to a monitor. The doctor can use the laser to fragment the stones. This method is especially suitable for patients who are not suitable for or have failed stone fragmentation. For kidney stones, a hole is made in the waist, and a nephroscope and laser fiber are inserted, achieving stone fragmentation without the need for large incisions and extensive damage. This method is suitable for stones larger than 20 millimeters or complex kidney stones.
4. Surgical method
Although 90% of stone patients do not require open surgery, open surgery is still irreplaceable. Open surgery is used for cases that are not suitable for minimally invasive methods or cases where minimally invasive methods have failed, as well as for patients with kidney infection caused by stone obstruction. It is the "ace force" in the entire stone treatment method. Although it is rarely used, once it is deployed, it often achieves a definitive effect.
Research shows that many kidney stone patients choose natural stone elimination methods because both extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and minimally invasive or surgical methods can cause some damage to the kidneys. Therefore, as long as the stones are not large, natural stone elimination methods are generally recommended for life. However, patients should still choose the best treatment method based on their own physical condition.
