Ureteric Stone Removal Surgery​ in Ahmedabad

At Tirtham Hospital, we specialize in relieving the burden of ureteric stones with advanced ureteric stone removal surgery in Ahmedabad. We recognize the profound impact these stones can have on your daily life, from the discomfort they cause to the uncertainty they bring.Our dedicated team is here not just to treat your condition but also to understand your unique challenges and provide the treatment best suited for it.

Expert Ureteric Stone Removal Surgery Near You

Ureteric Stone Removal Surgery

A study revealed that around 13.62% of people in India suffer from ureteric stones. If you’re part of this statistic, we understand that you might be considering the option of ureteric stone removal surgery. 

If yes, Tirtham Surgical Hospital is the best place for your treatment. At Tirtham, we go beyond treating your stones; we provide the personalized care you deserve. When you place your trust in us, we guarantee to uphold that trust by delivering superior treatment.

What is a Ureteric Stone?

A ureteric stone is a hard mineral deposit that forms in the kidney and travels down the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. There are two ureters, one for each kidney. 

These stones can be classified based on where they are located in the ureter: 

  • Near the kidney (proximal stones) or 
  • Closer to the bladder (distal stones).

Ureteral stones develop from waste substances found in urine, like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. They vary in size, with smaller ones often passing through the urinary tract unnoticed, while larger stones can cause significant pain and blockages.

There are four types of ureteral stones:

  • Calcium stones: Most common, formed from high levels of calcium, oxalate, or uric acid.
  • Uric acid stones: Resulting from a high-protein diet or inadequate water intake.
  • Struvite stones: Associated with frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • Cystine stones: Formed due to high levels of the amino acid cysteine.

In simple terms, ureterine stones are essentially kidney stones that have moved into the ureter. The distinction lies in their location: kidney stones are in the kidneys(insert link of kidney stone page), while ureteral stones are found in the ureters.

 

Why do Ureterine Stones Occur?

Ureteral stones form when there’s an excess of certain substances in your urine that can crystallize into hard deposits. Normally, these substances pass through your urinary system without causing problems. 

However, when you don’t drink enough water, there isn’t sufficient urine to dissolve or flush out these substances. As a result, they begin to crystallize and form stones in your ureter.

Common Symptoms

Tiny ureteral stones can sometimes pass through your urinary system without causing any symptoms. However, larger stones that block the ureters or drainage tubes of the kidneys can lead to noticeable symptoms such as:

  • Intermittent severe pain in your upper back, just below your ribs.
  • Pain that spreads to your lower abdomen.
  • Pain or a burning sensation when urinating.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Bloody or discolored urine (brown, pink, or red).
  • Cloudy urine.
  • Frequent urges to urinate.
  • Passing only small amounts of urine at a time.

How to Diagnose Ureterine Stones?

If you’re experiencing lower abdominal pain or have noticed blood in your urine, your doctor may recommend an imaging test to check for stones.

Two common tests for stones are:

  • Computed tomography (CT) scan: This is often the best method for finding stones in the urinary tract. It uses X-rays to create detailed images of your abdomen and pelvis.
  • Ultrasound: Unlike a CT scan, ultrasound uses sound waves instead of radiation to create images of your internal organs.

These tests help your doctor determine the size and location of the stone. This information is crucial for planning the appropriate treatment.

What are the Treatments for Ureterine Stones?

Research shows that many urinary stones can pass without needing treatment. You may feel some discomfort as they move through your urinary tract, but if you don’t have a fever or infection, drinking plenty of water can help the stone pass naturally.

Smaller stones usually pass more easily. However, larger stones, especially wider ones, can get stuck in the narrow ureter, causing severe pain and increasing the risk of infection.

If you have a larger stone that’s unlikely to pass on its own, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. These may include:

  • Ureteral stent placement: A small tube is inserted around the stone to help urine bypass it. This is a minor surgical procedure performed under anesthesia.
  • Nephrostomy tube placement: A tube is inserted through the back into the kidney to relieve pain and address infection, often done under sedation and imaging guidance.
  • Shock wave lithotripsy: Uses shock waves to break the stone into smaller pieces that can pass through the urinary tract naturally.
  • Ureteroscopy: A thin tube with a scope is inserted through the urethra and up into the ureter to remove or break up the stone with laser energy.
  • Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A minimally invasive procedure where a stone in the kidney is removed through a small incision in the back, requiring general anesthesia.
  • Medical expulsive therapy: This involves medications to help the stone pass, though potential side effects like lowered blood pressure should be considered.

Each treatment option aims to address the size and location of the stone to relieve pain and prevent complications.

What Happens if Ureterine Stones are Not Treated?

If ureteral stones are left untreated, several complications can arise:

  • Obstruction of Urine Flow: Ureteral stones can block the flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder. This obstruction can lead to swelling and pressure build-up in the kidney, causing pain and potential damage to kidney tissue.
  • Kidney Damage: Prolonged blockage can impair kidney function and lead to permanent damage. This risk is higher if the stone obstructs both the kidney and the ureter.
  • Infection: Blocked urine flow can create a stagnant environment where bacteria can multiply, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections can spread to the kidneys and potentially cause serious health complications.
  • Hydronephrosis: This condition occurs when urine builds up in the kidney due to blockage, causing it to swell. If left untreated, hydronephrosis can lead to severe pain and further impair kidney function.
  • Septicemia: In rare cases, severe infections from untreated ureteral stones can lead to septicemia, a life-threatening condition where bacteria enter the bloodstream.
  • Chronic Pain: Ureteral stones that cause recurrent or chronic pain can significantly impact the quality of life if left untreated over time.

It’s essential to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a ureteral stone, especially if you experience symptoms such as severe pain, blood in urine, or difficulty urinating. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help prevent these potential complications.

FAQ

Where do I find the best ureteric stone removal surgery hospital in Ahmedabad?
Renowned for its specialized surgeries, Tirtham Hospital offers advanced treatment for ureteric stone removal surgery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your treatment options with our expert team.
Risk factors include dehydration, a diet high in salt or animal protein, a family history of stones, certain medical conditions, and medications.
Risk factors include dehydration, a diet high in salt or animal protein, a family history of stones, certain medical conditions, and medications.
Surgery eligibility depends on overall health and specific medical conditions rather than age alone.
The expert team of ureteric stone removal surgery at Tirtham Hospital in Ahmedabad is renowned for its specialized care and effective treatment options.
Yes, prolonged obstruction of urine flow can lead to kidney damage and potential loss of kidney function.
Your urologist will evaluate the size, location, and symptoms of your stone to determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Ureteroscopy allows direct visualization and precise treatment of stones, often without the need for external incisions.
This varies based on the procedure and individual recovery but usually within a few days to weeks.
Yes, depending on underlying risk factors and diet, ureteral stones may recur in some individuals.
The duration depends on the size and location of the stone and the chosen surgical procedure, typically ranging from 30 minutes to a few hours.