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What Are The Complications Of Kidney Stone Laser Surgery?

Posted on Fri, 15 Feb 2013

Question: What are possible complications of kidney or rather bladder stones laser surgery?
My uncle has it next week and is extremely worried especially that the doctor didn't explain him the procedure and scheduled the surgery without the opportunity to ask questions
can you please answer

Answered by Dr. G.Srinivasan (1 hour later)

Hi
Welcome to XXXXXXX
It is a relatively safe procedure.
The complications are rather related to instrumentation than the laser itself.

1. Bleeding - you may see blood in the urinary catheter - but will be controlled.
2. Infection - due to passage of instruments from outside into the sterile urinary tract- though the instruments are sterilized before use.
3. Stricture - narrowing of the urethra due to passage of instruments or catheter.
4. Stent related complications – if placed - urgency and frequency of urination, or blood in urine/ urinary tract infection.
5. Residual stone - if so may require additional procedure.
The procedure is safer than leaving the stone in the body. Kindly go ahead.
Best regards
DR GS

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. G.Srinivasan (12 hours later)

just one more question:
I think it's going to be an extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
What are the complications for that?

Thank you for the previous answer, it was very helpful

Answered by Dr. G.Srinivasan (4 hours later)

Hi,
ESWL is different form the previous one.

It is also an established and safe procedure.

During procedure - pain ( can be managed with pain killers).
After the procedure - Burning urination due the passage of stones and if one large fragment get blocked rarely, may need medical attention.
Repeat procedure may be needed if the stone does not break in one session.

Hope this helps.
Best regards
DR GS

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar