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Nephrolithotomy (Kidney Stone Removal)

What Is Removal Of Kidney Stone (Nephrolithotomy)?

Stones in the kidney can cause infection, pain, bleeding, or damage to the kidney.  Doctors can remove these stones through surgery, by using shock waves, dissolving them, or through laparoscopic technology.  A nephrolithotomy is the surgical procedure to remove kidney stones.  Kidneys make urine, which then passes through the ureters, before leaving the body.  Kidney stones usually occur at the junction of the ureters and kidney.  

A nephrolithotomy is performed under general anesthesia and normally requires about 10 days of hospitalization.  The surgeon makes an incision usually around the back, along the last rib.  The incision might be made on the stomach in cases where a part of the kidney is to be removed too.  The stones are taken out, and a nurse sutures the wound close.   

Patients feel disoriented, for approximately 24 hours after removal of kidney stone surgery, due to anesthesia.  There might also be some discomfort which is controlled with pain killers.  Patients are usually encouraged to get out of bed after the first day and start moving about gradually.  In most cases, patients feel no pain within 7-10 days after the operation.  Full recovery after removal of kidney stone surgery can take up to two months.  Patients can return to light physical activities a month after surgery, while it can take up to two months to restart more strenuous activies.