Renal calculus/ kidney stones

Kidney stones are deposits of crystals of oxallates, calcium or uric acid that form inside the kidneys. It is also known as a renal calculus. Kidney stones could be either small or big. These are classified based on their location in the kidney, ureter, or bladder. Kidney stones are mainly caused due to less intake of fluids and high dietary intake of animal protein, sodium, refined sugars, and related products.

Kidney stones can be quite painful, but usually, the stones will not cause permanent damage if identified and treated on time. Small stones can be treated by certain medications and drinking a lot of water will pass a kidney stone. For larger stones , doctors would suggest surgery.

Medical care
Treatment for kidney stones depends on the size of the stone and the cause of it. Medical management is mainly by increasing water intake, dietary restrictions of animal protein and food rich  in calcium and oxallates , reduction of carbonated soft drinks.

The various procedures to break down the kidney stone would be as follows:

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) - This is one of the most common treatments recommended by the doctor to break kidney stones. Shockwaves are used to break the kidney stone so that it can easily pass through the urinary tract. It is a opd procedure. No anaesthesia is required for the procedure.  All the people will be able to return to their routine activities on the same day.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) - This is a procedure where a tiny tube known as nephrostomy is placed trough the kidney from the small incisions made from the back. The kidney stones are removed with the help of other instruments passed from the nephrostomy tube. Doctors suggest PCNL for large, complex  large stones or for patients who have the presence of nephrostomy or unique anatomic problems in their urinary tract .

Ureterorenoscopic Lithotripsy - URS or ureteroscopy is a versatile form of stone therapy. Doctors use special laser fibers, or machanical lithotripter which can be deployed through the ureteroscope to break the stone. If there are any stone fragments, then the doctor would use special baskets that will be deployed through the ureteroscope to retrieve the stones. URS is usually used to remove the stones from the ureter, especially the lower ureter.

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery with Holmium Laser (RIRS) - without any incisions, doctors could perform the surgery inside the kidney. Doctors would put the RIRS instruments through the body’s natural opening, through the bladder and the ureter, and finally into the kidney. Then stones are fragmented by LASER . RIRS can be used to remove kidney stones, kidney tumors, and strictures.

Open nephro/pyelolithotomy - this was one of the procedures to remove the stones within the renal pelvis. When ESWL and PCNL are not feasible, like in very large stones doctors used to perform pyelolithotomy to break the stones.

For complex or large stones, doctors would suggest URS, ESWL, and PCNL. At times certain stones would require a combination of two or more treatment modalities.

Reviewed By: Dr Mahendra Jain

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What can I expect after a laser prostate surgery?

Before asking what to expect after, one should know what the surgery is. 

The doctor inserts a tube through the patient's urinary tube (urethra), the prostrate surrounds the urethra. A laser is passed through this tube, to deliver concentrated light energy to generate precise and intense heat. It is this intense heat that shrinks and removes the excess tissue that is preventing the flow of urine. This is called Laser Transurethral Resection of the Prostate or LASER TURP.

What are the benefits?

1. It is a blood less surgery. That is an immediate advantage over conventional surgery. Cardiac patients who are on blood thinners like Ecosprin and clopidogrel can also undergo it safely.
2. LASER TURP is done with normal saline. Thus problems of excessive water absorption and complications of normal TURP is completely avoided.
3. Foleys catheter can be removed a day earlier than conventional TURP and thus less hospital stay.
4. Regrowth of the prostate tissue is very minimal with Laser TURP and thus low recurrence rates.
5. Post-surgery irritation in the prostate area is more in LASER TURP but it is only for short time.
The surgery may be expensive, but, it’s worth the obvious advantages.

What to expect afterwards?

1. Rarely Because of the swelling that may be block the urine flow, the patient may have to wear an urinary catheter for few days
2. There may be blood in the urine. This, however, is normal for the first few   days only
3. The patient may have irritating urinary symptoms like a need to urinate frequently for some time  only 
4. Urge Incontinence or difficulty holding urine.  This, however, improves in few weeks
5. The patient should avoid lifting weights for month
6. The doctor would also recommend against the patient engaging in sexual activities, at least, for several weeks.

Reviewed By: Dr Mahendra Jain
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Link Between Varicoceles and Male Infertility

Infertility in men is a result of multiple reasons such as endocrine diseases, infections, testicular tumor or damage, congenital causes, seminal abnormality, varicocele, and many unexplained factors. Among this varicocele is considered the most common correctable cause of male infertility. However,   varicocele doesn't require treatment in all men  and for some men with varicoceles can father children, even without intervention. Here, in this article, we are discussing the link between varicocele and male infertility.

 What are varicoceles?

 A varicocele occurs when one or more veins in the scrotum bulge, allowing blood to pool inside the scrotum. These veins are known as pampiniform plexus. This is similar to varicose veins that typically seen in the legs. In some men, varicoceles are identified as a bag of worms.

 Most often, men with varicoceles have no signs or symptoms. However, some may experience discomfort  or pain in the testes when they stand for long  or sit for an extended period. It is common among people who work standing like guards, post man, police man, military personals, and sales people. It is also very common in  men who work hard like machine tool workers, athletes, sportsmen, and men who work in hot areas like smithy foundry bakery and cooks.

 Varicoceles in men is quite common and usually doesn't require treatment. How ever if they cause pain in  the testes or interfere with fertility then treatment is required.

How are varicoceles diagnosed?
Varicoceles are often diagnosed through self-exam of the scrotum. The patient will be asked to stand for a while so that the urologist can check the scrotum, varicocele is felt as ‘bag of worms’ just above the testes. Cough impulse can be felt in these veins.

A urologist may suggest for a scrotal ultrasound Doppler test. This is to get an exact picture of your scrotum. An ultrasound reveals the images of those veins that are wider than 3 millimeters with blood flowing the apposit way. The ultrasound can also show the size of the testicles. These are useful in deciding the severity and the treatments needed.

How can varicoceles affect fertility?

• Varicoceles can occur in 15% of all men, and 40% of men seeking treatment for infertility have the condition. Many men often don't know that they have varicoceles until they approach for infertility treatment.
• A varicocele can contribute to infertility as the pooled blood caused by the varicocele raises the temperature in the scrotum and decreases sperm production and affects the quality of sperms. This high temperature in the testicles can damage the sperm and cause decreased sperm count, decreased motility of sperm, and an increase in the number of deformed sperms.
• Varicocele's effect on testicles over time will  reduce fertility. Men with prolonged cases of varicoceles may experience a condition known as testicular atrophy. A condition in which the testicles shrink and stop effectively producing healthy sperms.

What are the treatments for varicocele?

Most often, varicoceles don't require treatment. Treatment is offered when varicoceles cause

• Fertility problems
• Pain
• Abnormal semen analysis

After a thorough examination, your doctor will decide the treatment methods to reverse your varicocele. Your doctor may suggest both surgical procedures and nonsurgical treatment options. Microscopic Varicocelectomy is the surgical procedure that is recommended to treat varicose. That is the “Gold slandered” of varicocele treatment. This is a surgical procedure that involves tying off the veins that are causing the varicocele. Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy, minimally invasive option, and varicocele embolization are the other types of surgical procedures. All these methods can alleviate the varicocele and lead to improvements in sperm count and quality. Earlier the treatment better is  the recovery of the sperm quality. Thus it is prudent to get it treated atb the earliest.

If you are concerned about varicoceles or suspect that the reason behind your infertility issue is varicoceles feel free to contact Urology Hospital, Bangalore. Our expert Urologists help you to detect the severity of your varicoceles more precisely and determine the appropriate treatments.

Reviewed By: Dr Mahendra Jain
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Bladder Cancer: Causes, Risks And Prevention

In India, 2.25 percent of people are diagnosed with urinary bladder cancer every year, which is quite alarming.  The rate is rising each year and it’s necessary for people to know the causes and stay aware.

Urinary bladder functions as a storehouse for collecting urine produced by the kidneys. This organ plays an important role in the human body and maintains sound conditions.  Bladder Cancer is commonly identified in people around the age of 60. There are cases when similar conditions have been noted to appear among the younger age groups as well.

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder Cancer, or cancer of the bladder, is formed in the tissues of the bladder. This is a state of abnormal multiplication of cells in the bladder as a result of mutation. In some cases, the tumor spreads into the bladder muscle. The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in your urine, which is usually painless.

Smoking and chewing tobacco, inhaling chemically contaminated air or getting exposed to chemicals in the workplace, previous radiation exposure, certain drugs that have side effects, dehydration, chronic irritation of the lining of the bladder, etc, are the most commonly recognized reasons for bladder cancer.

Major symptoms:

 

Blood in the urine, pain and burning urination, feeling as if you need to urinate right away, feeling the need to urinate without result, trouble urinating and weak urine stream, back pain, etc, are the common symptoms of bladder cancer.

These symptoms are not sure signs of bladder cancer. Infections, benign tumors, bladder stones or other problems also can cause these symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor so that the doctor can diagnose and treat any problem as early as possible. If there is blood in the urine, then one should be careful and should not neglect it.

Prevention

The primary factor that everyone should understand is that there is no sure way to prevent bladder cancer. Lack of awareness about the disease is the major problem associated with it. Providing proper consciousness about the risks is the primary way of reducing the intensity of the disease and its aftermaths.

There are also some other methods that we can follow which could help lower the depth of cancer.

They are:

Smoking: Half among the bladder cancer cases reported are the aftereffects of smoking. Quit smoking and you will save your health. If you find it hard, approach any de-addiction centers.

Limit the exposure to chemicals: Workers in industries who use certain organic chemicals have a higher risk of bladder cancer. Necessary safety precautions should be provided in workplaces, where these chemicals are commonly used, including rubber, leather, printing materials, hair dyes, textiles, and paint industries.

Drink Fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids is the best way of preventing Bladder cancer. It is proven that drinking plenty of water lowers the risk of the disease.

Consuming Fruits and Vegetables: Some studies have suggested that a diet high in fruits and vegetables might help protect against bladder cancer. Eating a healthy diet has been shown to have many benefits, including lowering the risk of some other types of cancer as well.

After the detection of the disease and treatments, living as a survivor requires very good care. Proper follow ups, diets, and tests suggested by the doctor, conducting necessary tests, etc are very important.

 Reviewed By: Dr Mahendra Jain
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Is RIRS A Good Option For Removing Kidney Stones?

The treatment of kidney stones depends on its size. Small kidney stones can be passed away naturally through the urinary tract without any surgery if proper instructions are followed but larger stones can only be removed through surgery.

Gone are the days of open surgery. Today, minimally invasive procedures are conducted by experts to reduce the risks from surgery. One such advanced procedure is RIRS. RIRS (retrograde intrarenal surgery) is the procedure in which the surgery of kidney is done with the help of a viewing tool called fiberoptic endoscope.

How the surgery is conducted?

An endoscope is passed inside the kidney through the body’s natural openings. The scope is passed through the urethra into the bladder and then it is moved towards the targeted location. As the stone in the kidney is located through the camera, the stones are destroyed or crushed with the help of laser rays. The RIRS surgery is even performed to destroy kidney tumours.

Who are the right candidates for RIRS?

Now the question is whether RIRS surgery for kidney stone a good option or not. RIRS works great where it is difficult to treat through other options. The best candidates may include:

• Children with stones in their kidney
• People with tumours in the inner lining of the kidney.
• Patients with bleeding disorders.
• Patients with strictures
• Obese patients
•  It’s done for not too big stone. 

Why RIRS is a better option for removing kidney stones?

• Being a non-invasive process, the risk factors are quite less.
• Also, minimal bleeding is associated with the surgery, therefore, no nearby tissues get damaged.
• The recovery period is quite fast.
• When no other treatments work for complicated cases, RIRS provides successful results.

If you are looking for a urologist who provides the best kidney stone treatment in India, Dr. Mahendra Jain is the one for you. He is one of India's leading urologists who has years of experience in this field. Starting from laser treatments to minimally invasive surgery, he and his team offer a wide range of urological treatments at an affordable rate.

So stop wasting time! Book appointment 

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