USA Health Has New Tool For Treating Kidney Stones

USA Health University Urology is the only provider in southern Alabama to offer a highly specialized procedure for very large kidney stones that results in fewer surgeries and faster recovery for patients. In this procedure, called mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy, urologists use very small instruments to access the kidney, crush the stone and suck out fragments through a tiny straw inserted in a sedated patient’s back. The treatment is recommended for very large kidney stones that branch out into the kidney and cause significant blockage. Part of the procedure involves a special technique called ureteroscopic-assisted retrograde nephrostomy placement. The technique enables the physician to gain access to the kidney using a small scope called a ureteroscope to help facilitate the procedure. Finally, a specialized vacuum-assisted sheath is used to ensure full removal of kidney stone fragments. Patients who undergo mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy are often released from the hospital within a day of the procedure.