16 mm Kidney Stone Treatment

Diagnosis

If your symptoms indicate the presence of kidney stones, the urologist may ask you to undergo diagnostic tests to confirm your case and recommend a proper treatment plan.

Blood tests – To determine calcium and uric acid levels to check overall kidney health. 

Urine test – A 24-hour urine culture is done to find out if there is any kidney or urinary infection.

Imaging tests – CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs allow the doctor to assess the size and location of kidney stone in the urinary tract

Surgery

A 16 mm kidney stone requires surgery to be removed. The following are some of the surgical options for kidney stones out of which the kidney stone doctor would determine the best procedure after diagnosing the condition.

ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy): It is a non-invasive surgery involving the usage of high-intensity sound waves which are directed to disintegrate kidney stones into tiny fragments that can further pass out with urine. Doctors recommend ESWL when oral medication is ineffective and is suitable for 6-8 mm kidney stones. 

Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy (URSL): It is an advanced procedure to remove kidney stones that are not dissolved by non-surgical treatment. In URSL, the surgeon uses an exact laser treatment to remove the kidney stone lodged in the ureter. It is recommended for kidney stones of 7-10 mm. 

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS): This advanced surgical technique removes moderate to large kidney stones (up to 14 mm). This method is preferred to break stones lodged inside the kidney, ureter, or urinary bladder. In RIRS, the surgeon uses a ureteroscope to remove kidney stones with negligible risks.  

PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): It is a minimally invasive technique preferred to remove large stones in the kidneys or upper ureter. In PCNL, the surgeon makes a minor incision that enables the doctor to break stones into smaller fragments. This procedure is performed for kidney stones of 16 to 20 mm.