Kidney Stone Treatment

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form within the kidneys, often causing severe pain and other symptoms. Kidney stone treatment aims to relieve discomfort, remove the stones, and prevent a recurrence, with methods ranging from medication to minimally invasive procedures or surgery.

Dr Png Keng Siang
Consultant Urologist & Robotic Surgeon

What is Kidney Stone Treatment?

Kidney stone treatment focuses on addressing the formation of hard deposits within the kidneys composed of minerals and salts. These deposits can cause severe pain and other symptoms, impacting a person’s quality of life.

Kidney stone treatment aims to alleviate discomfort, remove the stones, and prevent them from recurring. Treatment methods can range from medications and dietary changes to minimally invasive procedures or even surgery, depending on the severity and size of the stones.

Types of Kidney Stone Treatment

Kidney stone treatments vary depending on the size, type, and location of the stones, as well as the severity of the symptoms. Different approaches are available to address these factors and provide relief to patients.

For smaller stones, increased fluid intake, pain relief medications, and dietary modifications may be sufficient to pass the stone naturally.

Specific medications can be prescribed to help dissolve certain types of kidney stones or prevent them from forming in the first place.

This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces, allowing them to be passed more easily.

Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where a thin tube with a camera and special tools is inserted through the urethra to remove or break up the stones.

This surgical procedure is used for larger stones, where a small incision is made in the back, and instruments are used to remove the kidney stones.

In rare cases, a more invasive surgical procedure may be required to remove particularly large or complex kidney stones.

Who’s Eligible for Kidney Stone Treatment?

Kidney stone treatment aims to help those suffering from the painful and uncomfortable symptoms of kidney stones. Eligibility for treatment depends on various factors, including the size, type, and location of the stones, as well as the severity of the symptoms.

  • Symptomatic individuals. People experiencing severe pain, blood in the urine, or recurring urinary tract infections may require treatment.
  • Large stones. Patients with kidney stones larger than 6mm and less likely to pass on their own are typically
  • considered for treatment.
    Obstructing stones. Stones causing blockages in the urinary tract, leading to impaired kidney function or recurrent infections, may require intervention.
  • Recurring stones. Patients with a history of recurrent kidney stones may be eligible for treatments to prevent future stone formation.
  • Unresponsive to conservative measures. Those who do not find relief from conservative treatments, like increased fluid intake or pain management, may need further intervention.

Risks and Complications

Kidney stone treatments are generally safe and effective, but as with any medical procedure, they carry risks and potential complications. It’s essential to weigh the benefits against the risks before undergoing treatment.

  • Infections
  • Blood in urine
  • Injury to the urinary tract
  • Stone or residual fragments
  • Anaesthesia risks

Dr Png Keng Siang

Consultant Urologist & Robotic Surgeon

Dr Png is a United States fellowship-trained urologist who received his urology specialist board certification from Singapore. He is the first and only urologist in Singapore to be inducted into the Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS) after completing a minimally invasive surgery fellowship in the USA at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he sub-specialised in robotic and laparoscopic surgery for urological cancers.

  • Joint Committee of Specialist Training Site Accreditor, Urology Residency Program
  • President of the Robotic Surgery Society of Singapore
Prior To Private Practice:
  • Director of the Robotic Urological Surgery Fellowship Program, Tan Tock Seng Hospital
  • Director of the National Healthcare Group Urology Residency Program & Adjunct Assistant Professor, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
  • Member of the American Urological Association, Endourological Society (USA)
  • Executive Committee of the Singapore Urological Association, 2013 to 2020
Read Full Bio

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    Kidney Stone Treatment In Singapore

    Frequently Asked
    Questions

    Is kidney stone treatment painful?

    Depending on the treatment method, kidney stone treatment may cause discomfort or pain. Non-invasive treatments, like medication and increased fluid intake to pass small stones, typically cause minimal pain. However, invasive procedures like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may cause pain. Doctors often prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort during recovery.

    How long does it typically take to recover from a kidney stone treatment procedure?

    The recovery time after a kidney stone treatment varies depending on the treatment used. Patients may recover within a few days to a week for non-invasive methods like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). For more invasive procedures like ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy, the recovery period may take 1 to 4 weeks. Following your doctor’s post-treatment recommendations and attending follow-up appointments is essential to ensure a smooth recovery.

    Can certain diets or foods increase the risk of developing kidney stones?

    Yes, certain diets or foods can increase the risk of developing kidney stones, making treatment necessary. High animal protein intake, excessive salt consumption, and low fluid intake can contribute to stone formation. Additionally, certain foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, beetroot, and nuts, may increase the risk for some individuals. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying well-hydrated can help reduce the likelihood of kidney stone formation.