The Complete Guide to 15 mm Kidney Stone Treatment: Surgery or Natural Remedies?
Kidney stones are one of the most common urological disorders that affect millions of people every year. They are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Kidney stones come in different sizes and shapes, ranging from as small as a grain of sand to as big as a golf ball. If left untreated, larger stones may block the urinary tract and cause severe pain or kidney damage.
In this article, we will walk you through the complete guide to 15 mm kidney stone treatment options. We will outline the pros and cons of surgical and natural remedies to help you make an informed decision that fits your specific condition.
What are the symptoms of a 15 mm kidney stone?
The symptoms of kidney stones usually depend on the size and position of the stone. However, common symptoms include:
- Severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen that may come and go and intensify over time.
- Blood in your urine
- Painful urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills (if you have an infection)
It’s worth noting that some people may have kidney stones and not develop any symptoms.
Surgical Options for 15 mm Kidney Stones
If you have a 15 mm kidney stone, your doctor may suggest one of the following surgical procedures:
1. Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)
SWL is a non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break up kidney stones into smaller pieces that can pass through your urinary tract. During the procedure, you will lie on a table while the technician uses a machine that sends shock waves through your body to break up the stones. The procedure may take about an hour, and you may need multiple sessions to completely remove the stones.
The pros of SWL include:
- No surgical incision is needed, so you won’t have a visible scar
- No anesthesia is needed, so it’s generally safe for most people
The cons of SWL include:
- The procedure may cause pain, bruising, or bleeding
- It may not be effective for large or hard stones
- It may require multiple sessions to completely remove the stones
2. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
PCNL is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small incision to remove large or hard-to-reach kidney stones. During the procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision in your back and use a scope and instruments to remove the stones. The procedure may take a few hours, and you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days.
The pros of PCNL include:
- It’s effective for large or hard stones that cannot be treated with other methods
- It has a high success rate, with minimal complications
The cons of PCNL include:
- You may need general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, which carries some risks
- You may experience pain or bleeding after the procedure
- You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days after the procedure
Natural Remedies for 15 mm Kidney Stones
If you’re looking for natural remedies to treat your 15 mm kidney stones, here are a few options that you can consider:
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent and treat kidney stones. By drinking plenty of water, you can keep your urine dilute, which reduces the risk of stone formation. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
2. Lemon Juice and Olive Oil
A mixture of lemon juice and olive oil may help to break up kidney stones and ease the pain. Mix ΒΌ cup of each and drink it straight or add it to your water or tea.
3. Dandelion Root Tea
Dandelion root tea is known for its diuretic properties, which can help to flush out kidney stones from your body. Drink a cup of dandelion root tea every day to prevent kidney stones or ease the symptoms.
Conclusion
15 mm kidney stones can be painful and cause discomfort. To treat them, you can consider surgical options like SWL or PCNL, or try natural remedies like drinking plenty of water, lemon juice and olive oil, or dandelion root tea. Consult with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your situation. Remember, prevention is always better than the cure, so make sure to drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid kidney stones in the first place.
