Kidney

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are common and one in 11 people (9%) will get symptoms of stones during their lifetime. Stone formation occurs when salts and minerals normally found in the urine crystallise within the kidney. Usually these crystals are small enough to pass out but occasionally they can build up to form larger stones.

Kidney stones commonly present with back pain, blood in the urine or with recurrent urinary tract infections. If the stones drop from the kidney and blocks the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) they may cause severe pain (renal colic) whereby admission to hospital is often needed. If stones are left untreated, they may cause serious damage to the kidney, so it is important to seek medical help if you are experiencing symptoms.

Kidney stones are diagnosed using ultrasound, X-rays or CT scan to assess the exact size, number and location of stones. Depending on these factors, Mr Khan several methods of treating kidney stones including non-surgical treatment, non-invasive lithotripsy, minimally invasive ureterorenoscopy with laser and keyhole surgery (Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, PCNL).

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive treatment option for kidney stones. This procedure uses high-energy shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces, allowing them to pass naturally through the urine. ESWL is often recommended for smaller stones that are located in the kidneys or upper ureter.

Benefits of ESWL:

• Non-invasive: No incisions or surgery required.
• Outpatient procedure: Typically performed in a single session with minimal recovery time.
• Effective for small stones: ESWL is ideal for stones that are less than 2 cm in size.

What to Expect:
During the procedure, you’ll lie on a specialized table, and shock waves will be directed at the stone using X-ray or ultrasound guidance. The treatment is usually done under sedation or light anaesthesia to ensure comfort. Most patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days.

ESWL offers a quick and efficient solution for patients with smaller kidney stones, providing relief without the need for surgery. Mr Khan will assess your specific condition and recommend the best course of treatment based on the size, type, and location of your kidney stones.

Ureteroscopy: A Minimally Invasive Solution

Ureteroscopy is the primary treatment option offered by Mr Khan for kidney stones. This minimally invasive procedure involves passing a thin, flexible scope called a ureteroscope through the urinary tract (via the urethra) to access the ureter and kidneys. Once the stone is located, laser technology is used to either break the stone into smaller fragments or remove it entirely.

Benefits of Ureteroscopy:

• No incisions: The procedure is performed without external cuts, reducing recovery time.
• High success rate: Ureteroscopy is effective for treating stones in both the ureter and kidney.
• Precise treatment: Laser technology ensures that only the stone is targeted, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
• Fast recovery: Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days.

What to Expect During the Ureteroscopy Procedure:

• Before the Procedure: Mr Khan will guide you through the necessary pre-operative tests, including blood work and imaging, to ensure you’re an ideal candidate for ureteroscopy.
• During the Procedure: Under general, a ureteroscope is passed through the urethra and bladder to access the stone. The laser is then used to break the stone into smaller pieces or to remove it completely.
• After the Procedure: You may experience mild discomfort for a few days, but most patients recover quickly. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to ensure complete recovery.

Furthermore once a stone has been treated successfully, it is important to prevent further stones from forming as over 50% of kidney stone patients will form another stone in the next 10 years. This can be done by dietary advice and a metabolic stone evaluation.

Learn More About Kidney Stones:
For more detailed information on kidney stone treatment and management, download the BAUS Ureteroscopy Patient Guide.

Kidney (Renal) Cancer

Kidney (renal) cancer affects approximately 6,000 people per year in the UK. Risk factors for the disease include smoking, obesity, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and those with a family history of kidney cancer.

The majority of men and women diagnosed with kidney cancer have no symptoms and are picked up incidentally on imaging done for another reason. Some may have symptoms that include blood in the urine, pain in the loin or flank, or abnormalities detected through blood tests.

Surgery is the main treatment for kidney cancer, although if the cancer is small, surveillance is an option if surgery is deemed too risky because of your age and/or other medical problems.

Mr Khan can offer fast-track accurate diagnosis and staging, expert counselling, and surgical treatment. While Mr Khan does not perform robotic cystectomy, he can discuss the full range of treatment options with you, ensuring that you receive the best possible care tailored to your individual needs.

Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)

Pyelonephritis is a result of infection or inflammation of the kidney. It is more common in women and those with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections and is often caused by Gram-negative bacteria (E. Coli).

Symptoms can be sudden in onset and include:

• Frequent, painful urination
• Abdomen, back and flank pain
• Chills and high fever
• Nausea and vomiting

The infection can be severe and potentially life-threatening and often necessitates admission into hospital and treatment with intravenous antibiotics. It is important to exclude an underlying abnormality such as an obstructing kidney stone, congenital abnormality, or a dysfunctional bladder.

Mr Khan can offer an accurate assessment of your symptoms and help reduce the chances of recurrent infections.