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Eating certain foods, not drinking enough water, and taking some medications and supplements can potentially cause kidney stones to form. Fortunately, there are several treatment options for removing them successfully. Depending on the type of stones you develop, one of the following treatment methods might be more appropriate.

How to Remove Kidney Stones

1. Water & Pain Medications

In most instances, small kidney stones can be passed naturally by increasing the amount of water you drink. Consuming two to three quarts of water each day will help to dilute your urine and prevent further mineral crystallization in the urinary tract. 

The excess fluid will also help you to urinate more frequently, so the stone is encouraged to move and eventually exit your body. You can also help the process along by decreasing your intake of salt, calcium, and protein. 

As this can be a painful process, your doctor might recommend taking certain over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen, and they might prescribe an alpha blocker to help the muscles in the ureter relax. 

2. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

kidney stonesWhen the kidney stone is too large to pass on its own, is causing severe pain, or is blocking the urine flow, your doctor may recommend Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). This outpatient treatment uses shock waves to break the kidney stone into smaller pieces that can more easily travel through the urinary tract and pass from the body.

3. Ureteroscopy

If the kidney stone is lodged in the ureter near the bladder, your urologist might use ureteroscopy to remove it. During this procedure, the doctor will insert a small scope into the bladder and ureter to locate the stone. Next, they’ll pass a tiny wire basket into the ureter that can grab the stone and pull it free.

4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

In rare cases, it might be necessary to remove the kidney stone surgically with a process known as percutaneous nephrolithotomy. While you are under general anesthesia, the surgeon will make a small incision in your back and insert a special instrument to break up the stone. When the pieces are small enough, they will then remove them.

 

For effective kidney stone management and treatment, visit Mt Auburn Nephrology in Cincinnati, OH. Since 1993, this nephrology practice has provided comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for kidney-related diseases and conditions. Their doctors specialize in kidney disease, management of kidney stones, hypertension, kidney transplants, electrolyte disorders, and dialysis. To schedule an appointment, call them today at (513) 841-0222. Visit their website to learn more about how they can help.

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