Laser Surgery for Kidney Stones: Is It Always the Best Option? Insights from Dr Praveen Pushkar

When you are told you have a kidney stone, like most patients in India, you would also assume that means you need surgery. Many patients are directly advised of laser treatment and assume it is the only solution. But is laser surgery always necessary, or are there other safer and equally effective options depending on your stone size and condition? Dr Praveen Pushkar evaluates your health and diagnostic tests to determine the right course of action for your condition.

Let’s understand this clearly and practically.

Understanding Laser Surgery (URS with Laser Lithotripsy)

Laser surgery for kidney stones is medically called ureteroscopy (URS) with laser lithotripsy. A thin scope is passed through the urethra into the ureter, and a laser fibre breaks the stone into small fragments. It is minimally invasive, doesn’t require a cut, which means less scarring and faster recovery. A top urologist in India will usually recommend this procedure for stones less than 1.5-2 cm. If you have kidney stones stuck in the ureter, causing severe pain or hydronephrosis, this can be the ideal process.

When Laser May NOT Be the Best Option

Laser surgery is not ideal for every stone. If your stone is larger than 2 cm, very hard (like calcium oxalate monohydrate), or located deep inside the kidney, your doctor may recommend procedures like PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy), which may be more effective. In some cases, small stones under 5 mm pass naturally with hydration and medication. According to Dr Praveen Pushkar, choosing the right treatment depends on stone size, location, infection status, kidney function, and your overall health.

Risks and Practical Challenges You Should Know

Even though laser surgery is safe, it is still a procedure under anaesthesia. Like any other medical procedures this one also has some risks associated with it: urinary tract infection, bleeding, ureteral injury, or residual fragments. Some patients experience burning urination due to stent placement. Most of the top urologist in India carefully evaluates CT KUB reports and blood tests before deciding the approach.

Conclusion

There is no “one best treatment” for kidney stones. What works for someone else may not be right for you. While laser surgery is effective and advanced, it should only be chosen for the right reasons.