How to Properly Treat Kidney Stones

Kidney stone treatment varies from one case to another, depending on stone size, cause and type. While most kidney stones can pass in urine spontaneously, some do not. Medical intervention is usually necessary to remove difficult stones or break them down into smaller pieces that can pass freely. Treatment also may be necessary for relieving the pain and discomfort.

Small, less-bothersome stones

Invasive treatment is not necessary for small kidney stones with minimal symptoms. In fact, by simply drinking plenty of fluid, as much as 2-3 liters a day, these stones are flushed from the urinary system. So unless your urologist says otherwise, you need to drink lots of fluid — mostly water — until your urine is clear or nearly clear.

Since passing even the smallest stones can be accompanied by some discomfort, your doctor may recommend that you use pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, others). Your doctor may prescribe a medication to help you pass the stone faster and with minimal discomfort. For example, an alpha blocker can be given to relax ureter muscles and ensure that kidney stones pass quickly and painlessly.

Large or troublesome kidney stones

Larger stones may too big to pass spontaneously, can cause serious pain and discomfort or obstruction and are likely to lead to kidney damage, urinary tract infections or bleeding. Treatment options for such stones include:

1. Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

This procedure utilizes sound waves to generate strong vibrations (shock waves), which help break up larger kidney stones into smaller pieces that can more readily pass through the ureters and be removed in urine. ESWL takes 45-60 minutes, but because it can cause mild-to-moderate pain, it’s performed under light anesthesia to minimize discomfort.

2. Ureteroscopy

For stones located in the ureter or kidney, a thin lighted tube (scope) equipped with a camera is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter. After the stone is found, special tools are used to snare or break it up into tiny pieces that can pass in urine. The procedure is undertaken under local or general anesthesia, but the urologist also places a stent (small tube) in the ureter to minimize swelling and promote healing.

3. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (tunnel surgery)

Very large kidney stones can be removed using a small incision made in the back of the patient — a procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This surgery is ideal for stones that have grown too big to pass, are causing uncontrollable pain, obstruction, infection or damaging the kidneys. The procedure also is recommended in cases where ESWL is unsuccessful. The kidney stone is surgically removed using a small telescope and instruments inserted via the tiny incision in the patient’s back. It’s done under general anesthesia and the patient stays in hospital for 1-2 days to recover.

At Advanced Urology Institute, we see hundreds of patients with kidney stones every year and use some of the best approaches in stone treatment, including advanced imaging technology, dietary recommendations, robotic surgical procedures and medications, to diagnose, treat and prevent the condition. We have the latest shock-wave lithotripsy equipment onsite, which uses state-of-the-art 3D ultrasound technology to reduce radiation exposure. Our urologists and urologic surgeons collaborate with specialists in radiology, nephrology and nutrition to deliver the most comprehensive care possible to our patients. For more information on our services, visit the “Advanced-Urology-Institute” site.

4 Effective Ways to Treat Kidney Stones

Dreading the agony and pain of kidney stones? You don’t have to because the condition is treatable. And the pain and discomfort disappears as soon as the stones are removed.

The treatment you get depends on the type, size and cause of the stones and on the severity of your symptoms. For instance, if you are having very severe pain, your urologist will give you an injection to relieve the pain. A second injection may be given after 30 minutes if you are still in deep pain. You also may be injected with anti-emetic medication to relieve vomiting and nausea.

Apart from dealing with the symptoms of the kidney stone, your doctor will administer treatment to remove the stone. The 4 effective ways to remove kidney stones include:

1. Spontaneous Passage

If your kidney stones are small (less than 4 mm diameter) and you have minimal symptoms, you won’t require invasive treatment. In fact, once your urologist assesses that you can tolerate the stone, you will be given time so the stone can pass out on its own. In such a case, the urologist will only make the following recommendations:

  • Drrink a lot of water, as much as 1.9-2.3 liters a day, to help you flush out the stone from your urinary tract. In this case, you have to drink enough fluid — until your urine is colorless. So if your urine is still brown or yellow after drinking water, then you know that you aren’t drinking enough fluid.
  • Use pain relievers as you wait for the stone to pass out spontaneously. Since even a very small kidney stone can be really painful, your urologist may recommend pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol or others), naproxen sodium (Aleve), or ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil or others) to relieve the pain. The pain will only last a few days and often disappears soon after the stone is passed.
  • Take medication to help you pass the stone. Such medication, often alpha blockers, help to relax ureter muscles and allow the stone to be flushed out of your urinary system faster and with less pain.

With these recommendations you are expected to wait until the stone passes out and then to collect the stone for analysis by your urologist in order to help determine if there is need for further treatment. To collect the stone, you simply filter your urine through a stocking or gauze as you urinate.

2. Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

What if your kidney stone is too large to pass out in urine? In that case, your doctor may recommend a procedure called extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy. The ESWL procedure uses sound waves to generate strong vibrations (called shock waves), which break the stone into tinier pieces that can easily and less painfully pass through urine.

The high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) are directed at the stone from a machine for 45-60 minutes. Because this can be a bit uncomfortable, you will undergo the procedure under light anesthesia or sedation to reduce the discomfort. The ESWL procedure is 99 percent effective for kidney stones that are up to 20 mm (0.8inch) in diameter. But you may require one or more ESWL sessions for the kidney stones to be effectively removed.

3. Ureteroscopy

What if the stone is stuck somewhere in your urinary tract, such as the ureter? In that case, your urologist may recommend ureteroscopy, a procedure that’s also called RIRS (retrograde intrarenal surgery). During ureteroscopy your doctor passes a long thin telescope, a ureteroscope, through your urethra, into the bladder and into the ureter, or wherever the stone is stuck.

After locating the stone the urologist uses a special instrument or laser energy to break the stone into tiny pieces that can pass out naturally in urine. The doctor then may place a small plastic tube (stent) temporarily in the ureter to help drain the stone fragments into your bladder, relieve swelling and hasten healing. Ureteroscopy is conducted under general anesthesia, so you shouldn’t operate machinery or drive for up to 48 hours after treatment. It is 50-80 percent effective for kidney stones that are 15 mm (0.6inch) in diameter.

4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

In circumstances where ESWL isn’t appropriate, such as when you are obese, larger stones may require an alternative procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). It is a surgical procedure for removing kidney stones using a small thin telescopic instrument known as a nephroscope. The instrument is inserted through a small incision made in your back and guided carefully to your kidney or ureter. Once the stone is located it is either broken into smaller pieces (with pneumatic energy or laser) or pulled out. PCNL has 86 percent efficacy for kidney stones of 21-30 mm in diameter and is performed under general anesthesia.

When should you seek treatment for kidney stones? You need urgent treatment if:

  1. Your pain is sudden, severe or gets worse.
  2. You have a fever of 100.4 F or higher.
  3. You have one or more episodes of shaking or shivering.

At Advanced Urology Institute we have assembled a team of skilled and experienced urologists to help diagnose and treat kidney stones and other urological problems safely and effectively. We offer all 4 effective treatments for kidney stones and have the latest equipment and technology to make the treatment process as painless and comfortable as possible. So don’t try to endure the pain even a day longer before you see us and let us fix it. For more information on kidney stones and other urological disorders, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute’” site.

Common Cause of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are a common condition in the United States affecting about 9 percent of Americans. Every year, roughly 500,000 patients are admitted into emergency rooms because of kidney stones. While the prevalence of the condition has risen over the years, increasing from 1-in-20 people in 1994 to 1-in-11 in 2012, the trend is expected to continue, both in broader geographic coverage and in greater numbers due to extreme temperatures associated with climate change. Higher temperature leads to dehydration, which in turn contributes to increased concentrations of dissolved salts and other substances in urine. When urine is super-saturated, it allows kidney stones to develop.

Low Urine Volume

The risk of kidney stones increases with decrease in urine volume. Caused by poor fluid intake or fluid loss (dehydration) due to hard exercise, living or working in a hot place, low urine volume means there is less fluid available to dissolve salts and other urine constituents. In turn, the urine becomes darker in color, more concentrated and easily forms stones. In fact, a urine volume below 1 liter per day is associated with 10 percent of all recurrent kidney stones while urine volume below 1.5 liters per day is linked with the formation of many recurrent and first-time kidney stones. Low urine volume due to chronic dehydration, defined as a history of prolonged exposure to heat, is the main cause of 20 percent of all incidents of kidney stones.

Effect of Warmer Temperatures

Cases of kidney stones typically increase shortly after episodes of hot weather, hitting a peak within three days of exposure to extreme heat. According to a recent study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives, daily increase in average temperatures leads to increased risk of formation of kidney stones. Another study published in 2008 by the National Academy of Sciences also reported that about 70 percent of Americans are under high risk of kidney stones due to warmer temperatures compared to just 40 percent of Americans at risk in 2000. The number of cases of heat-related kidney stones is projected to increase to up to 2.2 million by 2050.

Hidden Risk

Increase in ambient temperatures results in increased fluid losses through the skin. As more water is lost in sweat and less in urine, salts can build up in urine resulting in stones. Even in cold weather, dehydration occurs in the warm and dry indoor air without being noticed. And since dehydration often occurs without being noticed, it is a bigger factor in kidney stone formation in many patients. For instance, in drier climates, people lose a lot of water through sweat without realizing it and face a greater risk of kidney stone formation.

Are you or your loved one suffering from the symptoms of kidney stones? Would you like to receive world-class, safe, prompt and effective treatment for kidney stones? Or are you looking for the most comprehensive and accurate information on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones? Then Advanced Urology Institute is the right place for you. At AUI, we offer patient-friendly and multidisciplinary urology services for a wide range of problems including kidney stones. For more information, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

When there is inadequate liquid to dilute salts and waste chemicals found in urine, hard masses called kidney stones may form in the kidneys. The stones can form in one or both kidneys and may vary in size, ranging from a tiny sugar crystal to a large golf ball. While kidney stones are hard to notice, a stone can be large enough to cause blockage or severe pain, particularly when it enters into one of the ureters. Kidney stones are a common condition in the United States, affecting up to 9 percent of the population and sending more than 500,000 people to emergency rooms every year.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

While very small kidney stones may just pass through the urinary tract without causing symptoms, a majority of people who seek medical care for the condition do so because of severe pain on the flank, which may extend to the belly, groin or back. The movement of kidney stones through the urinary tract also may cause extreme pain that does not go away, painful urination, blood in urine, chills, fever, nausea and vomiting. When experiencing such symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for prompt medical attention.

Causes of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones occur when there is inadequate liquid to dilute the waste chemicals found in urine, such as oxalate, calcium and phosphorous. When not properly diluted, the waste chemicals get more concentrated and form crystals. The most frequent type of stones is calcium oxalate crystals. While there are many factors that can trigger the formation of kidney stones, including what you drink and eat and chronic medical conditions, the most common cause is dehydration. For instance, people living in hot climates are more likely to lose a lot of water in sweat, resulting in limited amounts of fluid available to dilute urine. The frequently high concentration of urine in such people can trigger kidney stones.

Diagnosing Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are often diagnosed once they have caused obvious symptoms, usually severe pain. The pain is typically so severe that it can send patients to emergency rooms where a range of tests may be conducted to uncover the stones. Apart from the symptoms, kidney stones are diagnosed using tests such as X-rays, CT scan, urinalysis and ultrasound. Blood tests to determine the levels of various minerals involved in stone formation also can unearth kidney stones.

Treatment of Kidney Stones

For small stones, no treatment is necessary. You may only need to take pain medications and wait for the stones to pass out. A stone that is 5mm (1/5 inch) or smaller has a 90 percent chance of passing without intervention while one between 5-10mm has a 50 percent chance of passing. To increase the chance of a stone passing on its own, it is important to drink a lot of fluid every day, such as 8-10 glasses of water daily. A stone that is larger than 10mm may not pass on its own and may require either a non-invasive or invasive treatment to remove it.

Prescription medications may be used to facilitate the passage of some stones that do not pass on their own. For example, alpha-blockers can be used to relax the walls of the ureters and widen the passages to allow the stones to move out easily. Certain medications also may be used to stop the formation of new stones.

Apart from using drugs, the surgeon can pass a special instrument called the ureteroscope through the urinary tract to reach the stone’s location. The surgeon then applies laser energy to break the stone into smaller fragments and remove them through the tube. The procedure is called ureteroscopy and it does not require incisions.

Another commonly used treatment for kidney stones is extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL). This treatment is ideal for very large stones or for stones that have blocked the urinary tract. During shock wave lithotripsy, the surgeon uses a machine that generates strong vibrations (called shock waves) to break large stones into smaller pieces that can pass out through the urinary tract. However, for kidney stones that are extremely large, the surgeon may need to conduct a surgical operation to remove them.

A lot of technology is currently available to help diagnose, treat and manage kidney stones. The technologies are safe and effective, relieving the symptoms of kidney stones without causing problems to the patients. So if you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, visit your doctor as soon as possible to benefit from these latest technologies and get the necessary relief. You do not have to live with a problem whose solution exists. For more information on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

8 Easy Ways to Cleanse Your Kidneys

The kidneys are amazing little organs. Each day, they process about 200 quarts of blood, getting rid of excess water and waste products, removing toxins and keeping the body functioning smoothly. If the kidneys are not able to remove toxins and waste from the body, they will build up in the body and hinder the normal function of kidneys, liver and other organs, resulting in exhaustion, stomach pain, headaches, water retention and other problems. Buildup of toxins and waste also may lead to kidney stones, a mass of crystals or unprocessed minerals which can grow to the size of a golf ball. Kidney stones affect 10-15 percent of American adults, but also may be found in children as young as five.

Kidney stones causes and symptoms

There are many causes of kidney stones, such as dehydration, excessively acidic urine, urinary tract infections, buildup of waste and toxins in the kidneys, among others. The symptoms of kidney stones include excessive lower back, abdominal or urinary tract pain which may be sharp, mild or excruciating, severe vomiting or feeling nauseated, persistent urge to pass urine, and constant chills or sweating. While the symptoms vary depending on the size of the stones, unceasing pain and discomfort on the sides is a good reason to see a urologist. Kidney stones are easily curable if diagnosed early.

Why you should cleanse your kidneys

There are several reasons why you should flush out toxins and waste from your body. For instance, cleansing your kidneys improves their function and reduces bloating. Likewise, cleansing your kidney improves your ability to process certain foods, absorb nutrients and convert food to energy, preventing fatigue. Flushing out waste and toxins prevents potential infection and reduce the risk for bladder problems. Similarly, cleansing the kidneys reduces the chances of having painful kidney stones, corrects hormonal imbalances and prevents skin breakouts such as acne, eczema and rashes.

Below are 8 easy ways to cleanse your kidneys

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is effective in preventing oxidative stress of the kidneys. It increases the levels of antioxidants in the body, balances blood sugar levels and reduces blood pressure, creating optimum conditions for kidney health. Apple cider vinegar contains citric acid which dissolves kidney stones. Frequent intake of apple cider vinegar also flushes out toxins from the kidneys.

2. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans not only resemble the kidneys but also remove waste and toxins from the kidney and flush out kidney stones effectively. Kidney beans are rich in Vitamin B, fiber and several minerals which help to clean the kidney and boost the function of the urinary tract.

3. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is naturally acidic and increases citrate levels in urine, hence discouraging the formation of kidney stones. Lemon juice also filters blood and flushes out wastes and other toxins. Daily intake of diluted lemon juice reduces the rate of kidney stone formation and dissolves calcium oxalate crystals, which is the most common constituent of kidney stones. For people with kidney stones, combining lemon with olive oil ensures smooth passage of the stones.

4. Watermelon

Watermelon is a mild diuretic. It hydrates and cleanses the kidneys. It is also rich in lycopene, which improves cardiovascular health and ensures well-functioning kidneys. Watermelon also has large quantities of potassium salts which regulate acidity of urine and prevents stone formation. In fact, eating watermelon regularly is great for kidney health.

5. Pomegranate

Both the juice and seeds of pomegranate contain large amounts of potassium and therefore are effective in removing kidney stones. Potassium lowers acidity of urine, prevents stone formation because of its astringent properties, curtails crystallization of minerals, and flushes out toxins and waste from the kidneys.

6. Basil

Basil is an effective diuretic. It removes kidney stones and improves kidney functioning. Basil also lowers the level of uric acid in blood and improves kidney health. Its ingredients such as essential oils and acetic acid break down kidney stones and allow for smooth removal. Basil is also a pain killer.

7. Dates

When dates are soaked in water for 24 hours and then consumed after seeds are removed, they are effective in dissolving and flushing out kidney stones. Dates are rich in fiber, helping to reduce the risk of kidney stones. The magnesium ingredient in dates also cleanses the kidneys.

8. Dandelion

Consuming tea made using dried organic dandelion or fresh dandelion root (pulled from the ground) helps to cleanse the kidneys. Dandelion is a kidney tonic, but also stimulates bile production to improve digestion and minimize the waste reaching the kidneys.

Another effective cleansing agent for the kidneys is cranberry juice which supports the urinary tract, fights urinary tract infections and removes excess calcium oxalate. Beets and their juices contain Betaine which increases urine acidity, prevents build-up of struvite and calcium phosphate and reduces the chances of kidney stone formation. Other effective cleansing agents are coconut water, cucumber juice and cherries. For more information on preventing and treating kidney problems, visit the site, Advanced Urology Institute.

3 Easy Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones

3 Easy Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones

 

Kidney stones are formed when certain chemicals present in the urine solidify and turn into hard crystals. Over time, these crystals grow in size and eventually leave the body through urine. Sometimes, the crystals get stuck in the urinary tract, blocking the flow of urine and causing enormous pain. In nearly 50% of patients with this problem, the stones reappear within 5 to 7 years if no preventive measures are taken. In most cases, these stones form when calcium reacts with phosphorus or oxalate. A physician first determines the cause of this condition and will likely suggest reducing the intake of sodium or protein, both of which cause kidney stone formation. With some determination and care, the risk of kidney stones can be significantly reduced. The following are three simple preventive methods:

1. Increase Calcium

Calcium deficiency causes an increase in the body’s oxalate levels which directly contributes to the formation of stones. Find out how much calcium you should consume for your age to ensure that your body is not deficient in this essential mineral. Generally, men older than 50 years of age need 1,000 mg of calcium every day in addition to 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium. Getting your calcium from food is preferable since studies show that calcium supplements may increase the risk of stone formation.

2. Reduce Animal Protein

Your body produces uric acid while breaking down proteins. Higher levels of this compound increase the acidity of urine, which may cause the formation of kidney stones in the long run. For this reason, keep a check on protein-rich foods, especially red meat, seafood, poultry, and eggs. Eating too much protein also reduces the content of citrate in your urine, and this may also lead to stone formation. If you are prone to kidney stones, you should also follow a low-sodium meal plan. Nutritionists suggest a daily maximum sodium intake of 2,300 mg, but people who already have kidney stones due to high sodium levels should consume less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.

3. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Drinking plenty of water is the simplest home remedy for kidney stones because water dissolves the unwanted substances in urine. As a rule of thumb, drink at least 2 liters of water per day. You may substitute with citrus beverages such as fresh orange juice or lemonade.

In addition to the above measures, avoid stone-forming foods such as chocolate, beets, tea, nuts, rhubarb and spinach, all of which are rich in oxalate. Colas are high in phosphate, a substance to avoid if you have a history of kidney stones due to high phosphate levels. Also, our bodies turn vitamin C into oxalate, so individuals taking this vitamin in supplement form can be at a slightly higher risk. Overall, with proper treatment and some changes to your diet, kidney stones can easily be prevented.

Who uses the Davinci Robotic System for kidney cancer treatment? – Dr. Evan Fynes

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Dr. Evan Fynes, a urologist in Port Orange, FL, uses the DaVinci Robotic System for kidney cancer treatment, performing both total and partial nephrectomies.
  • The DaVinci Robotic System provides enhanced visualization and precision during surgery, allowing for more accurate tumor removal and preservation of healthy kidney tissue.
  • Robotic-assisted kidney cancer surgery results in reduced pain and faster recovery times for patients compared to traditional open procedures.

The DaVinci Robotic System has revolutionized various fields of surgery, including urology. Dr. Evan Fynes, a urologist in Port Orange, FL, specializes in using this advanced technology for kidney cancer treatment. In this article, we will discuss how Dr. Fynes employs the DaVinci Robotic System for kidney cancer procedures, such as nephrectomies, and the benefits it offers patients.

Robotic Surgery for Kidney Cancer

In the past, kidney cancer surgeries required large incisions and lengthy hospital stays. However, with the introduction of the DaVinci Robotic System, patients can now experience quicker recovery times and reduced pain. Dr. Fynes uses the robotic system to perform both total and partial nephrectomies. Total nephrectomies involve the removal of the entire kidney, while partial nephrectomies allow for the removal of only the tumor, preserving the healthy kidney tissue.

Enhanced Visualization and Precision

One of the key benefits of the DaVinci Robotic System is the improved visualization it provides during surgery. The system magnifies the surgical field, allowing Dr. Fynes to perform precise dissections and remove tumors with greater accuracy. This enhanced visualization is particularly beneficial for partial nephrectomies, where it is crucial to separate the tumor from the healthy kidney tissue without causing damage.

Reduced Pain and Faster Recovery

Robotic-assisted surgery with the DaVinci Robotic System is significantly less painful for patients compared to traditional open procedures. The smaller incisions used in robotic surgery result in less blood loss, reduced pain, and faster healing. As a result, patients can return home and resume their normal activities much sooner. According to Dr. Fynes, patients who undergo robotic-assisted kidney cancer surgery are typically discharged from the hospital in just two or three days, compared to five to seven days for traditional open procedures.

Advanced Urology Institute

Dr. Evan Fynes is a part of the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida. This institute is committed to providing the highest quality of care for their patients through the use of cutting-edge technology, such as the DaVinci Robotic System. By choosing the Advanced Urology Institute for your kidney cancer treatment, you can trust that you are receiving the best possible care from highly skilled and experienced professionals.

TRANSCRIPTION:

Back in olden days, so to speak, we used to make a bigger incision, and the patient would
be in the hospital five to seven days, and now with the robot, a lot of people are home
in two or three days after removing a kidney.
Hello, Dr. Evan Fynes, I’m a urologist with Advanced UrologyInstitute.
So the robot is also being used extensively for kidney type, kidney surgery, whether it’s
removing the whole kidney for somebody with a presumed kidney cancer, or a lot of times
these days we’re doing something called partial nephrectomies with the robot, where you’re
able just to remove the tumor and leave the kidney behind.
In regards to robotic surgery with the kidney, it just magnifies everything.
You’re able to get fine movements to dissect the tumor off, remove the tumor, and close
the kidney back up.
It’s also a lot less painful for patients.

REFERENCES:

Is Dr. Evan Fynes reporting that kidney stones are more common in Florida?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Dr. Evan Fynes, a urologist in Port Orange, FL, has observed a higher prevalence of kidney stones in Florida due to the hot and humid climate causing chronic dehydration.
  • Conservative management, such as medications and increased fluid intake, is often the first approach to treating kidney stones.
  • Surgical treatments, such as ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, may be necessary when conservative management is unsuccessful.

Dr. Evan Fynes, a urologist in Port Orange, FL, has observed that kidney stones seem to be more common in Florida compared to other regions, such as Ohio. He attributes this higher prevalence to the hot and humid climate in Florida, which can lead to chronic dehydration. In this article, we will explore Dr. Fynes’ observations and the ways kidney stones can be treated.

 

Prevalence of Kidney Stones in Florida

According to Dr. Fynes, kidney stones are a common issue for many patients in Florida. The hot and humid weather often results in increased sweating, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of kidney stones, as it can cause a buildup of minerals and salts in the urine, leading to stone formation. Many individuals in Florida visit emergency rooms with symptoms such as abdominal pain, side pain, and vomiting, which can be indicative of kidney stones.

 

Conservative Management of Kidney Stones

Dr. Fynes notes that there are several surgical ways to treat kidney stones, but often, a conservative approach is initially attempted. Depending on the size and location of the stone, patients may be given medications and encouraged to increase their fluid intake to help pass the stone naturally. This conservative management aims to avoid invasive procedures and reduce the risk of complications.

 

Surgical Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

When conservative management is unsuccessful, Dr. Fynes may recommend surgical intervention to treat kidney stones. Two common surgical methods include ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). In ureteroscopy, a small scope is inserted into the ureter, and a laser is used to break up the stone into smaller pieces, which can then be passed naturally. ESWL, on the other hand, involves using shock waves from outside the body to break up the stone, allowing the fragments to be expelled through the urinary tract.

 

Advanced Urology Institute

Dr. Evan Fynes is a part of the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida. The institute is committed to providing the highest quality of care for their patients through the use of cutting-edge technology and evidence-based treatment approaches. By choosing the Advanced Urology Institute for your urological needs, you can trust that you are receiving the best possible care from highly skilled and experienced professionals.

 

TRANSCRIPTION:

So coming from Ohio you know we saw a lot of kidney stones but then coming
down here for the year I’ve been down here so far it’s been stones everywhere
everybody’s just chronically dehydrated due to the sweating and the humidity and
that’s usually the most common cause of kidney stones is dehydration.
Hello Dr. Evan Fynes . I’m a urologist with Advanced Urology Institute. You’ll see a
lot of people commonly go into the emergency room with abdominal pain and
pain on their sides and throwing up and one of the first things they they want
to check out is if you have a kidney stone or not so down here this kidney
stones run rampant. Usually there’s there’s a lot of different surgical ways
of treating a stone but a lot of times these stones depending on kind of
patients clinical outlook we give them a chance to pass the stone if it’s
depending on where it’s at the kidney or it’s close to the bladder and then the
size of the stone so a lot of times we try to do conservative management with
medication to try to pass the stone otherwise a lot of times we have to go
up and get the stone and use a laser to break it up or sometimes we use shock
weight lithotripsy blasted with shock waves from outside the body.

REFERENCES:

Becoming a Physician Assistant, Why did You Choose Urology – Jeanette Lain, PA C

Video: Becoming a Physician Assistant, Why did You Choose Urology – Jeanette Lain, PA C



Ms. Jeanette Lain has extensive urology experience, previously serving as a Physician Assistant for Urology Centers of Oklahoma with the Women’s Bladder Clinic, Unitus Clinic for Sexual Health and general urology care. [Read Full Article…]

Becoming a Urologist, The Satisfaction of Practicing Urology – Dr. Stephen Weiss

Video: Becoming a Urologist, The Satisfaction of Practicing Urology – Dr. Stephen Weiss

Dr. Weiss received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Iowa in 1989. He completed his medical degree at the University of Iowa School of Medicine in 1994. [Read Full Article…]

What Causes Kidney Stones? Dr. Edward King Reveals the Science Behind Their Formation

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Kidney stones are more likely to form in warm, humid climates and in individuals who do not consume enough fluids, leading to concentrated urine.
  • Consuming foods high in oxalate, such as green leafy vegetables, pecans, and nuts, increases the risk of kidney stone formation.
  • To prevent kidney stones, maintain proper hydration, limit high-oxalate food consumption, and consult with a urologist at the Advanced Urology Institute for personalized prevention and treatment plans.

Introduction

Kidney stones are a common and painful condition that affects many people across the globe. Urologist in Ocala, FL, Dr. Edward D. King, provides insights into the science behind kidney stone formation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to their development.

The Role of Climate and Hydration

According to Dr. Edward King, kidney stones tend to form more frequently in warm, humid climates. This is because the body loses more water through sweating, leading to more concentrated urine. When patients do not consume enough fluid to compensate for this loss, the risk of kidney stone formation increases.

Diet and Oxalate Consumption

Dr. King explains that diet also plays a crucial role in kidney stone formation, particularly the consumption of foods high in oxalate. Oxalate is a naturally occurring substance found in many foods, including green leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach and kale), as well as pecans and nuts. Consuming high levels of oxalate increases the likelihood of forming kidney stones, as this substance is not very soluble in water or urine.

The Formation and Migration of Kidney Stones

When kidney stones form, they begin as small crystals that grow slowly over time. The pain associated with kidney stones typically occurs when the stone migrates into the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. This migration blocks the flow of urine, causing the kidney to swell and resulting in intense pain in the back, flank, and groin areas.

Prevention and Treatment

To prevent kidney stones, Dr. King recommends maintaining proper hydration and limiting the consumption of high-oxalate foods. Additionally, working with a healthcare professional, such as a urologist at the Advanced Urology Institute, can help patients develop personalized prevention and treatment plans.

The Advanced Urology Institute is the largest urology practice in Florida, offering comprehensive care for various urological conditions, including kidney stones. With a team of experienced professionals and state-of-the-art facilities, patients can expect exceptional care and support throughout their treatment journey.

TRANSCRIPTION:

Well, kidney stones often form in warm, humid climates. They occur in concentrated urine when patients don’t consume enough fluid.
It can also be diet related. There’s a substance called oxalate that’s found naturally in many foods such as green leafy vegetables, spinach, kale, pecans, and nuts.

So patients who consume foods that are high in oxalate are much more likely to form kidney stones because the substance oxalate is not very soluble in water or urine. Stones typically cause pain by blocking the flow of urine. When the stone is forming in your kidney, it starts as a small crystal and just grows slowly often.

When it migrates into the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder called the ureter, then it blocks the flow of urine. The kidney swells and that’s when patients get pain. There’s actually pain in the back or in the flank that radiates to the front and often down into the groin. It can be pretty intense pain.

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