Major Surgery Next

Since early March, a very large kidney stone (13mm x 8mm) has been blocking and

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

Open surgery for kidney stones introduces more complications than the more non-invasive techniques.  It is done under general anesthesia (leading to general anesthesia complications) and predisposes to greater blood loss than other surgeries.  

A nephrostomy tube or ureteral stent is often left in place to optimize drainage of urine from the kidney and allow for adequate healing.

The recovery time is normally 2 months and if there are no complications, then the chances for complete recovery is good.  

The risk of ureter scarring and subsequent blockage would eventually lead to failure of the affected kidney.  The stent is designed to keep the ureter open and thus avoid this complication.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[willing]

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