UNAIR NEWS – Kidney stone patients no longer need to imagine the fear of lying on the operating table. In the mild case, the method of removal of kidney stones no longer have to go through surgery, but by shooting shock waves right on the targeted stone.
The latest method of destroying kidney stones is called Extra Corpored Shock Wave Lithotrips (ESWL). ESWL is one of the most effective and the least invasive form of kidney stone destruction therapy. Without surgery, kidney stones can be destroyed by shock waves (shock wave) in the form of sound waves generated by the device.
ESWL therapy is already available in a number of major hospitals in Indonesia, including in Dr. Soetomo Surabaya. Prof.Dr. Dr. Soetojo, dr., SpU (K) is one of Urological physicians at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga -Dr. Soetomo who is used to operate this ESWL device to treat his patients.
In the process, ESWL therapy patients do not need to be sedated. The patient can lie on his back or face down adjusted to the position of kidney stones. The doctor of urology operates the device from the next room.
“Once the location of kidney stones is known, the doctor will operate an ESWL from different room. Systematically this tool will move to target in accordance with the position of the stone. After therapy, patients do not need to stay in hospital but they can go home, ” he explained.
Although it looks simple, ESWL therapy patients still have to go through the qualification stage until the patient is ready to undergo ESWL. Prof. Soetojo emphasized that ESWL is only capable of destroying kidney stones not bigger than 0.5 cm in diameter. The patient’s condition should also be considered.
Conditions under the kidney stones should be smooth so that when the stone is destroyed, it can be dissolved directly and out with urine. “The size of the stone must be ensured that it is not too big, there is no narrowing channel in the ureter, and there is no obstruction due to other stones. So hopefully with one shot it can be destroyed directly, “he said.
As for the stone size of more than 0.5 cm, Professor of Science Urology FK UNAIR suggested that surgery should be done. If ESWL therapy is chosen, it is necessary to do the therapy repeatedly. By considering aspects of the type, texture, size and location of kidney stones to be destroyed.
In general, ESWL is used when the stones are believed to be broken with 1-2 shots.
According to him, the effects of microjet caused after ESWL therapy does not cause a risk or severe complications. “Patients need not be afraid of the post-therapy effects. It will not cause keloids, as the effect will recover in a few weeks, ” he said.
Although being treated, patients are advised to stay in regular control to make sure whether the stones are completely gone or there is still none left. If it remains then another therapy should be done.
“If it is known that a part of the stone is destroyed but can not come out with urine and cause blockage in the ureteral tract, it is necessary to immediately perform Ureterorenoscopy (URS),” he said.
The cost of ESWL therapy is relatively lower compared to surgery. It is estimated to be under ten million for one therapy, while surgery costs dozen to tens of millions for one surgery.
According to him, kidney stone disease requires special attention. Not only for the patients, but also the needed vigilance in the community. Soetojo suspects that lifestyle changes and diet, such as lack of drinking, lack of exercise, sitting too long, become the biggest trigger factors of increasing kidney stone cases in Indonesia. Like other chronic diseases, the presence of stone clumps in the kidneys often do not cause typical symptoms.
“Pain, as well as stiff pains around the waist accompanied by urinary redness or the release of rocks or grains of sand with urine is a common complaint, but unfortunately often not recognized. And generally the disease is often happened to men rather than women, ” he stated.
Just as the wise person says, it is better to prevent than to cure. Soetojo also advised, so that people always keep the pattern of life in a healthier direction. Do not forget to exercise, multiply the activity of motion even in the office all day, and drink a lot of water.
It seems simple, but its impact will be extraordinary for health. Can we consistently do it?
Author: Sefya Hayu
Editor: Nuri Hermawan
