Treatments
depend on the type of stone. They are much less invasive than in the past and
may include:
-
Medications:
Allopurinol
(for uric acid stones)
Antibiotics
(for struvite stones)
Diuretics
Phosphate
solutions
Sodium
bicarbonate or sodium citrate
Water pills
(thiazide diuretics)
-
Surgery:
The procedure
is needed if the stone is too large and is blocking the urine flow.
-
Shock waves lithotripsy:
It uses sound waves to break up stones.
-
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy:
In this procedure the stone is removed with a tube inserted through a small surgical cut.
-
Ureteroscopy:
Mainly used when stones are located in the lower urinary tract.
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