Pyelolithotomy
Table of Contents

Pyelolithotomy Treatment

Kidney stones, also referred to as renal calculi, urolithiasis, or nephrolithiasis, are tough-to-break, mineral and salt deposits found within kidneys. Poor diet, obesity, certain medical conditions, and some supplements/medications can cause kidney stones. Small kidney stones can be removed with medications and be flushed out with urine. However, large kidney stones can only be removed by surgical intervention. The large kidney stones and their ingrowths into various regions of the pelvis can be best removed with pyelolithotomy surgery in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals.

Arete Hospitals is renowned for being the best, cost-effective urology hospital in Hyderabad. Under the roof of its urology department, kidney stone patients are provided with the best relief by pyelolithotomy surgery.

Benefits of Pyelolithotomy Treatment

  • Highly effective in the removal of large stones in the renal pelvis or ureter that can’t be removed or crushed with any other treatment options
  • Improved kidney functioning and urine flow
  • Lower risk of recurrence of kidney stones
  • Reduced risk of complications like bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding organs
  • Relief from kidney stone symptoms like intense pelvic pain and discomfort that have a significant impact on the patient’s life quality.

What is Pyelolithotomy?

Pyelolithotomy is an operation designed for the removal of large stones in the renal pelvis or ureter. This operation can be performed by different methods, depending upon the severity of the course of the disease. The Kidney Stone Surgeon in Hyderabad carries out this surgery when other alternative treatments fail for patients with pathological pelvis structure and narrowed ureters causing obstructed urine flow. 

Before Pyelolithotomy Surgery

To get prepared for the Pyelolithotomy surgery, the patient must:

  1. Consult a urologist- During the initial consultation, a Urologist in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals will check the patient’s eligibility for pyelolithotomy and give details about the surgical procedure, risks, and benefits. Patients must inform the urologist about any medications they are taking or their existing underlying medical conditions.
  2. Follow the pre-operative instructions- The patients are asked to stop intake of certain medications/supplements, avoid smoking and alcohol abuse, and do fasting for 6-8 hours before the surgery.
  3. Get enough rest- The patients must avoid strenuous physical activities and get proper sleep a few days before the procedure.
  4. Drink adequate water- Staying well hydrated is important to reduce the risk of surgical complications.
  5. Stay positive- Remain stress-free by being positive and focusing on improving your overall outlook.  

What does Pyelolithotomy Involve?

Pyelolithotomy is about 3 hours long surgery performed under general anaesthesia. Its exact duration depends upon the complexity of the operation and the technique used. The surgeon can perform either of the two procedures to perform the surgery:

  • Open pyelolithotomy- This surgical approach involves making a 10 cm long incision in the side of the abdomen or along the rib, to expose the affected kidney. The surgeon then dissects the affected kidney or ureter to remove the stones using the stone-cutting instrument, laser, or another surgical tool to fragment and remove large kidney stones. After the removal, all the incisions are sutured layer-by-layer and the patient is shifted to the intensive care unit.
  • Percutaneous pyelolithotomy- This is a minimally invasive approach involving making a small incision in the abdominal skin. This is a laparoscopic pyelolithotomy. This surgery is performed by making small punctures in the abdomen to introduce surgical equipment and medical instruments for the removal of kidney stones. For more details on Laparoscopic Pyelolithotomy in Hyderabad visit Arete Hospitals.
  • Retroperitoneoscopic pyelolithotomy- This is an endoscopic surgery performed through the urethra. An endoscope is a tube fitted with a camera and light. With its help, surgical instruments can be inserted to remove kidney stones.  

After the removal of all pieces of kidney/ureter stones, the surgeon places a stent for blood/urine drainage and a catheter for providing antibiotics and antiseptic treatment.

Good Candidates for Pyelolithotomy

Kidney stone patients should meet the following criteria if considering pyelolithotomy:

  • Have minimally branches staghorn stones in the renal pelvis (lower part of the kidneys- the complex collection system
  • Have stones of size larger than 5mm
  • Have stones present for at least 2 months
  • Have coral calculi
  • Have normal kidney function
  • Have no evidence of urinary tract infection
  • Have excessive morbid obesity.

Non-eligible candidates are patients who suffer from certain medical conditions like blood clotting disorders, infectious diseases, and severe inflammation that could lead to an increased risk of surgical complications. Long-term pregnant women are also contraindicated for the surgery.

After Discharge

Following pyelolithotomy surgery, the patients are advised to do the following to facilitate smooth recovery:

  • Refrain from smoking, taking narcotic drugs, or drinking alcohol
  • Avoid heavy weight lifting or strenuous physical activities for at least 4-6 weeks
  • Do not swim, take a bath, or immerse in water until the surgeon allows it
  • Take prescribed painkillers and antibiotics to manage post-operative pain and avoid infections
  • Have a healthy diet plan and more fluids to prevent kidney stones. Avoid consuming certain foods that are rich in oxalate such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate
  • Go with physical therapy to strengthen the weakened pelvic muscles
  • Re-visit the surgeon for regular check-ups
  • Contact the surgeon immediately if you suspect an infection. Do not ignore the symptoms like fever, intense, persistent pain; swelling, or redness around the surgical site.

Cost of Pyelolithotomy in Hyderabad

The cost of pyelolithotomy varies for patients based on various factors, including:

  • The surgeon’s expertise
  • The type of surgical approach used
  • The complexity of the case
  • Any additional services provided
  • Anaesthesia charges
  • Length of hospital stay
  • Pre-operative tests, prescription medications, and follow-up consultations
  • Insurance coverage.

To obtain an accurate cost estimate and detailed cost breakdowns, consult with our surgeons and discuss your case and requirements with them.

Effectiveness of Pyelolithotomy

Pyelolithotomy is a highly effective surgery for the removal of large kidney stones. Its success rate is 90%. Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy is a more effective surgical intervention for stone extraction than PCNL surgery in patients with large renal stones. For more details contact the experts at Arete Hospitals, Best Pyelolithotomy Hospital in Hyderabad.

Risks Associated with Pyelolithotomy

Just as with any other surgery, Pyelolithotomy poses some risks. Some of the potential side effects, risks, or complications of undergoing Pyelolithotomy include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Infection of the surgical site
  • Kidney or ureter damage; pelvic tissue damage
  • Issues in the urinary tract
  • Formation of scar tissues
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Allergic reaction to anaesthesia
  • Incisional hernia (very rare)
  • Urine leakage from wounded site due to rupture of suture on the renal pelvis
  • Pneumothorax development or other lung problems
  • Excessive narrowing of the ureter (if sutures are not proper).
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What diagnostic tests are performed before pyelolithotomy?

To prepare for pyelolithotomy surgery, the Urologist For Pyelolithotomy in Hyderabad orders some pre-operative tests. These include blood tests, urine tests, urodynamic tests, ECG (electrocardiogram), medical imaging tests, and anaesthesia evaluation. Blood tests are done to check the electrolyte levels, kidney functioning, and blood cell counts. Urine tests are performed to check for urinary tract infection and the presence of blood/crystals in the urine.

Urodynamic tests are performed to assess the functioning of the patient’s urethra and bladder and rule out any medical conditions affecting the results of the surgery. The imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scans can help visualise the inside of the kidney and its stones. ECG is done for assessing heart health and anaesthesia evaluation involves assessment of the general health of the patient to determine the appropriate type and dosage of anaesthesia for the surgery.

2. What will happen if I do not timely undergo Pyelolithotomy?

If you are a kidney stone patient delaying Pyelolithotomy, you may suffer some consequences. Your kidney stones may grow in size and block the ureter leading to intense, unbearable pain. You may be at high risk of urinary tract infections and chronic kidney disease or kidney damage. You may have a medical emergency if your large kidney stones completely obstruct urine flow. Rarely, your untreated kidney stones can result in serious complications such as kidney failure or sepsis.

3. How lengthy is recovery after pyelolithotomy?

Every patient has a unique recovery time. However, most patients can expect to resume normal activities within 4-6 weeks.

4. How long do I need to stay in the hospital after my surgery?

Following your pyelolithotomy surgery, you get discharged from the hospital only after a few days, when you don’t have any complications.

5. Can I undergo pyelolithotomy on both kidneys at the same time?

Yes, if necessary, you can undergo pyelolithotomy on both kidneys.

For the most effective Pyelolithotomy and Kidney Stone Removal Treatment in Hyderabad, schedule a visit to Arete Hospitals. Our expert team offers state-of-the-art care and personalised treatment plans.

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