Newest Kidney Stone Treatment Makes Curing Painful, Common Condition Easier

Urology expert Dr. Jed Kaminetsky on the advantages of lithotripsy for kidney stones.

New York, NY (PRWEB) December 7, 2007 -- For the more than one million Americans -- mostly men between the ages of 20 and 40 -- who are treated each year for painful kidney stones, the newest treatment offers reliability, convenience and relief. Called extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, the procedure is painless, non-invasive and can be performed at an outpatient center within about an hour.

"Lithotripsy is a real breakthrough for many patients with kidney stones, because it is effective, comfortable and safe -- even for those who are considered high-risk candidates for invasive surgery," explains Jed Kaminetsky, MD, clinical assistant professor of urology at New York University School of Medicine and Associate Medical Director at Gramercy Surgery Center in New York. "This procedure has fast become the gold standard in treating a majority of kidney stone cases that require intervention," Dr. Kaminetsky adds.

During extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, Dr. Kaminetsky explains, patients remain conscious, lying on a water-filled mattress or in a shallow tub of warm water. Using sonography or x-ray to locate the stones, urologists then apply external bursts of high-energy shockwaves to the areas where the stones are located. Between 60 and 120 shocks per minute are delivered, causing the stones to break into miniscule fragments and pass through the system. The procedure takes less than an hour, and patients can return home and resume normal activities immediately. Mild pain is sometimes associated with the passing of the fragmented stones, which can take 2-3 days. Lithotripsy cannot be performed if the stone is too large (greater than 2 cm), or if it is in a location that the shockwaves cannot reach. In these cases, endoscopic removal is often the treatment of choice.

About Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form when calcium and other chemicals in the urine crystallize and form a mass, which can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. "Normally, a substance in the urine prevents crystals from sticking together," Dr. Kaminetsky notes. "However, in some people this substance seems to be ineffective or neutralized by a variety of risk factors that contribute to the formation of stones." Risk factors include certain genetic and metabolic diseases, inadequate fluid intake, chronic urinary tract infections or blockages, prolonged inactivity and the use or misuse of certain medications.

Many tiny stones pass uneventfully and may not be even unnoticed. But for those whose stones are large enough to prompt symptoms, medical intervention becomes necessary. Dr. Kaminetsky advises patients who experience severe pain in their sides, stomach, groin or back, discolored or foul-smelling urine, difficulty urinating, nausea, vomiting, chills and/or fever contact a urologist to be evaluated for kidney stones. "Some stones can lodge themselves in the openings from the kidneys, bladder or urethra, possibly leading to infections, obstructions and other medical issues, such as hypertension, and so immediate diagnosis and treatment is critical," Dr. Kaminetsky advises.

As with many other medical conditions, prevention is the best medicine. Dr. Kaminetsky recommends the following steps to avoid the development or reforming of kidney stones:

- DRINK WATER: Failing to drink enough water is the most common cause of kidney stones. Aim for 8-10 glasses each day, enough to keep urine clear and pale. Avoid grapefruit juice, as it may increase your risk for developing kidney stones.

- WATCH VITAMIN INTAKE: Vitamins C and D can increase your risk of kidney stones when you take more than the daily recommendations. Read supplement labels carefully, and do not take more than the recommended daily doses.

- GET PLENTY OF CALCIUM: Contrary to some belief, kidney stones are not the result of too much calcium in the system, but of too little. Getting your recommended amounts of calcium combined with a low-sodium, low-protein diet may actually decrease your risk of kidney stones.

- EASY ON THE PROTEIN AND SODIUM: Both may increase your risk for developing kidney stones.

- MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT: Studies show that weight gain since early adulthood, a high body mass index (BMI) and a large waist size increase the risk of developing kidney stones.

- STAY ACTIVE: People who are not physically active often have more problems with kidney stones.

BIO:

Jed Kaminetsky, MD is a clinical assistant professor of urology at New York University School of Medicine and Associate Medical Director at Gramercy Surgery Center in New York. Dr. Kaminetsky received his medical training at New York University of Medicine. He is a member of the American College of Surgeons, The American Urologic Association and the American Association of Clinical Urology. Dr. Kaminetsky is widely published in medical journals.

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