Having a huge kidney stone removed through Surgery in my back?

Question

What should I expect as far as pain, recovery time etc.? The dr. said I might even go home with a tube in my back! Anyone with this experience who would like to tell me their story? I'm scared!

Answer 1

I don't have any personal experience, but here is some information from a web site that sounds like the surgery that you are facing:

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be used when ESWL is not available or effective (e.g., if the stone is very large or in an inaccessible location, or is a cystine stone). It is more effective for patients who are severely obese. It appears to be safe for the very elderly and the very young. Long-term effects are unknown. It is also preferred over ESWL for stones that have remained in the ureter for more than four weeks. A typical procedure is as follows:

The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the back and creates a tunnel directly into the kidney.
The surgeon then inserts an instrument called a nephroscope through the tunnel.
The stone is located and removed. (An advantage of percutaneous nephrolithotomy over ESWL is that the surgeon is able to remove the stone fragments directly instead of relying on their natural passage from the kidney.)
For large stones, some type of energy device may be needed to break the stone into small pieces. This source may be ultrasound, a pneumatic drill-like device, or lasers. The holmium laser literally melts the stones and can be used on nearly all stone types. The device has an excellent safety record. It should be used sparingly, however, and particularly cautiously with large uric acid stones until more is understood about this effect. Another laser, the ergium:YAG laser is showing promise in lithotripsy.
Generally, patients stay in the hospital for five or six days and may need a small device called a nephrostomy tube left in the kidney during the healing process.
Success rates have been reported to be about 98% for kidney stones and 88% for ureteral stones. These rates are slightly lower in children, although the procedure can be done safely in young patients.

Complications. Complication rates are about 3%, and serious problems are rare. Some scarring occurs, but studies indicate that it does not impair kidney function, even if the patient requires repeat surgery. The procedure also poses a risk for blood loss during and after the procedure, which, in some cases, can be significant. Because large volumes of fluid are used during the procedure, fluid overload is a potential problem, particularly in children or patients with heart disease. In some cases infection may result. Other complications encountered are collapsed lung and injuries to areas outside the kidney but within the operative area, such as the abdomen or chest.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Huge Kidney Stones

Answer 4

Treatment Reverse Chronic Kidney Problems - http://HealKidney.neatprim.com

Answer 5

I've had the surgery and I was out the same day w/ no catheter. I had a small 1/4" scab. I can tell you though the stone doesn't break up right away. It took mine 2 weeks of the same excrutiating pain, but mine was 8mm though. Yours might break up automatically. But don't be scared its well worth it. You'll be relatively pain free (w/ the pain pills). If not, CALL YOUR DOCTOR right away and let them know.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Answer 6

I couldn't just sit around and do nothing like my doctors suggested.

They didn't want me to do anything or to take herbs or herbal remedies, but I had to try something - they just wanted me to do dialysis!

This program allowed me to take control of my health. I went from Stage 4 to Stage 3 kidney disease.

It was easy to do and my BUN, creatinine and anemia are all in better ranges.

Reversing Your Kidney Disease?

Answer 7

Yep
Worry thee not.

These days, they have so many different types of pain killers - you won't feel a thing

BUT

Ask them for the stone (really, they will give it to you)

Apparently they are beautiful things, like a crystal.
You can keep it on your dressing table.

Answer 8

Reverse Kidney Disease Naturally : http://www.NaturallyGo.com

Answer 9

rest