About Pyelolithotomy
Key Highlights
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High Success Rate: Offers a definitive solution with a very high likelihood of complete stone removal in a single procedure.For Complex Stones: Effectively treats large, branched (staghorn), or hard stones that are not amenable to less invasive methods.Direct Visualization: The surgeon has direct sight of the stone and kidney anatomy, allowing for precise removal.listrongRelieves Obstruction:/strong Immediately alleviates blockage of the kidney, which can prevent long-term damage and relieve severe pain./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Large kidney stones (typically >2 cm) or staghorn calculi that fill the renal pelvis and calyces.
- Failure of previous less invasive procedures like Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) or ureteroscopy.
- Anatomical abnormalities of the kidney or ureter that prevent access for endoscopic instruments.
- Concurrent condition requiring open surgery on the same kidney, such as a narrowing (stricture) of the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ).
- Infected stones associated with recurrent urinary tract infections that require complete removal.
How to prepare
- Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment including blood tests, urine tests, and imaging (CT scan or IVP) to precisely locate the stone.
- Consultation: Detailed discussion with the urologist and anesthesiologist about the procedure, risks, and anesthesia.
- Medication Review: Informing the doctor of all current medications; may need to stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) days before surgery.
- Fasting: No food or drink (as instructed, usually after midnight) before the surgery.
- Bowel Prep: Sometimes a light bowel preparation is recommended to improve surgical access.
Risks & possible complications
- General Surgical Risks: Bleeding, infection at the incision site, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Specific Organ Injury: Rare risk of injury to surrounding organs like the spleen, liver, colon, or major blood vessels.
- Urinary Complications: Persistent urine leakage from the kidney (urinoma), urinary tract infection, or injury to the ureter.
- Stone Recurrence: New stones can form in the future without proper dietary and medical management.
- Renal Function: Temporary or, very rarely, permanent decrease in kidney function on the operated side.
- Chronic Pain: Possibility of persistent flank pain or incisional hernia at the surgical site.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital Stay: Typically involves a stay of 4-7 days for pain management, monitoring, and ensuring the kidney is draining properly.
- Drainage Tubes: A temporary tube (nephrostomy or ureteral stent) is often left in place to aid healing and drainage, removed later in the clinic.
- Pain Management: Pain is managed with medications; deep breathing and early, gentle movement are encouraged to prevent lung complications.
- Activity: Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and driving for 4-6 weeks to allow the incision and internal tissues to heal.
- Follow-up: Crucial follow-up visits for imaging (X-ray or ultrasound) to confirm stone clearance and check kidney recovery.
- Hydration & Diet: Drink plenty of fluids and follow any specific dietary advice (e.g., low-sodium, moderate protein) to prevent new stones.
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Typical hospital stay: 4-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pyelolithotomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for pyelolithotomy in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform pyelolithotomy. MediFyr helps you compare urologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pyelolithotomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Pyelolithotomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated urology teams and experience managing patients undergoing pyelolithotomy.
Sai Das, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Sai Das, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, had been experiencing intermittent, sharp left flank pain for nearly a year. The pain, which he initially dismissed as a muscle strain from long hours at his desk, became severe and colicky, often radiating to his groin. A history of recurrent UTIs added to his discomfort. An ultrasound and CT scan revealed a large, 2.5 cm staghorn calculus obstructing his left renal pelvis. His urologist, Dr. Sharma, explained that due to the stone's size and complex shape, less invasive options like ESWL or ureteroscopy were unlikely to succeed. A pyelolithotomy was recommended to remove the stone in one procedure and preserve kidney function. Sai was anxious about the open surgery and taking time off work. The procedure went smoothly, with the stone completely removed. His hospital recovery involved managing incision pain, but he was walking by day two. At his six-week follow-up, a clear X-ray and improved kidney drainage brought immense relief. Emotionally, he transitioned from persistent worry about the pain's cause and impact on his family life to profound gratitude for being pain-free and regaining his active role as a father.
Urologists for Pyelolithotomy
Explore experienced urologists who regularly perform pyelolithotomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 6 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 26 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 16 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 13 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore