KIDNEY STONE REMOVAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of a kidney stone from one of the ureters.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Ureter; kidney.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Restoration of normal urine flow in the ureter.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity; smoking; alcoholism.
• Poor nutrition.
• Illness such as any infection.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; narcotics; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Urologist or general surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of chest; ECG; intravenous pyelogram (See Glossary).
• During surgery: Retrograde pyelogram (See Glossary).
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made in the flank. The muscles are separated and the ureter is exposed.
• A small incision is made in the ureter. The kidney stone is pulled free and removed.
• A tube is left in the wound for drainage, and a tube is inserted in the ureter to restore urine flow. This tube is removed after healing.
• Muscle layers are closed. The skin is closed with sutures or clips, which usually can be removed about 1 week after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Urine leakage.
• Scarring at operative site causing obstruction or partial obstruction.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--4 to 5 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 2 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep--vein blood clots.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. > Resume driving 2 weeks after returning home. > Resume sexual relations when your doctor determines that healing is complete.

† Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract begins to function. Then eat a well--

balanced diet to promote healing.

• Increase daily water intake to 8 glasses or more. > Your doctor may prescribe a special diet after examining the kidney stone.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, or difficulty or pain with urination.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.