Treating Kidney Stones: Open Surgery
Open surgery may be done before, after, or instead of other treatments. If you need surgery, your doctor will discuss its risks and possible complications. You will be told how to prepare. And you will be told about anesthesia that will keep you pain-free during treatment.
Open Surgery
Open surgery removes very large stones or stones that cannot be removed by other means. For this surgery, your doctor makes an incision in your side. Your kidney or ureter is opened, and the stone is removed. Then your kidney or ureter is sutured closed. The skin incision is also sutured closed. A drain is left near the incision to carry urine away from the wound. In some cases, a temporary plastic tube called a stent is placed inside the ureter during the surgery. The stent helps the tissue heal and allows the urine to drain.
Your Recovery
You may spend up to
Call Your Doctor If:
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You have sudden pain or flank pain.
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You have a fever over
100.1 °F . -
You have nausea that lasts for days.
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You have heavy bleeding when you urinate.
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You have heavy bleeding through your drainage tube.
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You have swelling or redness around your incision.
