To treat pain associated with kidney stones, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the main treatment, but opioids may be used if NSAIDs aren’t effective for relieving pain.[1]
Treatment of the stones themselves has evolved over the past 30 years, from removal by open surgery to treatment with less invasive methods.
These are the three main treatments for kidney stones in current use:[2]
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL): SWL, or “lithotripsy,” is a non-invasive treatment that targets stones with powerful ultrasound waves, causing them to break into small enough fragments to pass through the urinary tract along with the urine.[3]
Uteroscopic procedures: A urologist will insert a small scope into the urinary tract to locate the stone, and remove via a small wire basket that latches onto and grabs the stone. If the stone is too large for removal or can’t be dislodged from its location, a stent may be placed in the ureter to encourage the stone to pass, or it may instead be broken into tiny pieces with a laser, sound waves, or electrical energy.[4]
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): PCNL is a surgical procedure that involves the insertion of an endoscope through a small incision in the skin into the kidney. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is generally used in cases when stones are large(> 2 cm) in size.[5]