Overview
Following a confirmed diagnosis, the next step is to either manage the condition if the stones are too small or go for surgical interventions if the stones are large or are blocking parts of the renal tract. Treatment usually depends on the severity and size of the kidney stones.
How are Kidney Stones Treated?
The first step in kidney stones treatment is to analyze the size of the stones. If they are small and harmless, your doctor will ask you to up your water or fluid intake to increase the rate of urination and ensure that the stones pass through the urine. The passage of stones through the urine is extremely painful.
Your doctor might prescribe certain medications for pain management, to eliminate nausea and vomiting, and also to relieve the pain when the stone is passing through the urine.
If the kidney stones are too big and can’t pass through the urine, the next line of treatment is surgical intervention. There are four different types of surgeries for kidney stones, including:
- Ureteroscopy
- Shockwave lithotripsy
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
- Open stone surgery
Which surgery you need will depend on the size of the kidney stone, and the location and shape of the stone as well.
Will Kidney Stones Go Away?
If your kidney stones are very minute, they will pass through the urine upon excess hydration. However, the duration it takes for all the stones to pass through the urine is subjective and will vary from one patient to the other.
Typically, it might take 1-2 weeks for a kidney stone measuring less than 4 mm to pass through the urine. Similarly, it might take 3-4 weeks for a kidney stone measuring over 4 mm to pass through the urine.
