What Happens if You Ignore Kidney Stone Removal? Risks and Complications
By Dr. Anup Ramani
Kidney stones are a common and painful condition that requires timely treatment. Some stones pass naturally, but others may require medical intervention. Ignoring kidney stone removal can lead to severe complications, including infections, kidney damage and even organ failure.
This article highlights why delaying kidney stone removal is dangerous, the risks involved and the serious complications that can arise. If you experience symptoms, consulting a kidney stone specialist in Mumbai may help prevent long-term health problems.
Why Kidney Stone Removal is Essential?
Kidney stones form due to the accumulation of minerals and salts in the kidneys. These stones vary in size, with smaller ones sometimes passing naturally. However, larger stones can cause blockages, infections and severe pain.
Ignoring kidney stone removal may cause to:
- Persistent, unbearable pain.
- Urinary tract blockages and infections.
- Kidney failure if left untreated.
Seeking medical attention at the right time ensures proper treatment and prevents serious health consequences.
Risks of Ignoring Kidney Stone Removal
1. Chronic & Severe Pain
Kidney stones cause intense pain, often compared to labor pain. The pain can be sharp and persistent, affecting daily activities. As stones grow or move, the discomfort worsens.
2. Kidney Damage & Loss of Function
A blocked urinary tract increases pressure on the kidneys, leading to swelling. Over time, this can cause irreversible kidney damage or even failure.
3. Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Kidney stones may trap bacteria, leading to frequent UTIs. Symptoms include:
- Painful urination
- Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
- Fever and chills
Untreated UTIs can spread to the kidneys, causing severe infections.
4. Blood in Urine
Sharp-edged stones can scratch the urinary tract, causing blood in the urine. Prolonged bleeding can lead to anemia, fatigue and other health issues.
5. Complete Urinary Blockage
Large kidney stones may block the ureter, preventing urine flow. This can cause:
- Extreme pain
- Kidney swelling
- Risk of kidney failure
A urinary blockage is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.
6. Increased Risk of Kidney Infections
If kidney stones block urine flow, bacteria may multiply, leading to kidney infections. Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Intense back pain
- Vomiting and chills
Untreated infections can spread into the bloodstream, causing life-threatening sepsis.
7. Higher Risk for Patients with Chronic Conditions
Patients with diabetes, high blood pressure or weakened immune systems face higher risks if kidney stones are left untreated. The likelihood of kidney failure or severe infections increases significantly.
Complications of Ignoring Kidney Stone Removal
1. Hydronephrosis
When urine is unable to drain due to a blocked ureter, the kidney swells, leading to hydronephrosis. This condition causes kidney damage and severe discomfort.
2. Bladder Dysfunction
Long-term urinary obstruction can weaken the bladder muscles. This may result in incontinence or difficulty in completely emptying the bladder.
3. Poor Quality of Life
Living with untreated kidney stones can cause:
- Constant pain and discomfort.
- Difficulty performing daily activities.
- Frequent doctor visits and hospitalizations.
Ignoring treatment leads to unnecessary suffering and long-term complications.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult a kidney stone specialist in Mumbai immediately:
- Severe, persistent pain
- Difficulty urinating or complete urinary blockage
- Fever, nausea or vomiting
- Blood in urine or dark, foul-smelling urine
Delaying medical care increases the risk of severe complications.
Long-term Consequences of Delaying Kidney Stone Removal
Ignoring kidney stone removal does not just because short-term pain – it can lead to:
- Recurring kidney stones – The presence of one stone increases the likelihood of developing more.
- Reduced kidney function – Long-term blockage and infections weaken kidney performance.
- Life-threatening infections – Septicemia can occur if kidney infections spread.
Timely treatment is essential to prevent these complications and protect kidney health.
Dr. Anup Ramani is an experienced kidney stone specialist in Mumbai ensures safe and effective care. Kidney Stone Treatment in Mumbai. Mumbai has top medical facilities for kidney stone treatment, offering both surgical and non-surgical options.
Factors to consider when selecting a doctor:
- Experience in treating kidney stones.
- Availability of advanced treatment options.
- Hospital facilities and patient reviews.
If you need kidney stone removal, seek expert care in Mumbai to prevent serious health risks and complications.
Conclusion
Ignoring kidney stone removal can lead to severe complications, including kidney infections, urinary tract blockages and permanent kidney damage. While small stones may pass naturally, larger stones require medical intervention. Seeking kidney stone treatment in Mumbai from a trusted specialist ensures timely treatment and prevents long-term health problems.
If you experience kidney stone symptoms, don’t wait for complications to arise. Consult a kidney stone specialist in Mumbai today and take proactive steps to protect your health.
FAQs About Kidney Stones
How long can I ignore kidney stones before they become dangerous?
Delaying treatment increases the risk of severe pain, infections and kidney failure. If symptoms worsen, seek medical help immediately.
Can kidney stones go away on their own?
Small stones may pass naturally with hydration. Larger stones often require medical treatment.
What are the first signs that a kidney stone needs medical attention?
Severe pain, blood in urine, difficulty urinating and fever are signs that urgent medical care is required.
Can kidney stones cause life-threatening conditions?
Yes, untreated kidney stones may lead to kidney infections, sepsis or permanent kidney damage.
Who is the best kidney stone specialist in Mumbai?
Mumbai has experienced urologists specializing in kidney stone removal. Research patient reviews and consult a doctor with expertise in advanced treatments.
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PARTIAL PENECTOMY
- Partial penectomy is done in cases where glans and distal penis is involved with carcinoma.
- Partial penectomy is a type of organ-preserving surgery. Preservation of sexual and micturational function depends on the surgical dissection and reconstruction of residual urethra.
Kidney Stone Removal
- Patients who develop stones in the kidney or ureter, often experience severe pain.
- This condition usually needs a procedure to remove the kidney stones.
- This procedure is called ureteroscopy and is performed very commonly.
- It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
- The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anesthesia.
- The scope is inserted through the penis into the kidney and stones are dissolved with a laser.
- The procedure takes about 40-50 minutes.
- A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder. A stent is kept in the kidney at the same time.
- Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
- Hospital stay is one night and patient is discharged the next day after removal of the catheter.
- Patient has to come back after six weeks to remove the stent in the kidney.
- Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
- We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
- Men with an enlarged prostate, which is a normal ageing changes, often experiencing difficulty passing urine. This condition usually needs a procedure to trim the prostate and relieve the blockage.
- This procedure is called TURP and is performed very commonly.
- It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
- The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anaesthesia.
- The overgrown prostate is dissolved with a laser bloodlessly.
- The procedure takes about 40 minutes.
- A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder.
- Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
- Hospital stay is two nights and patient is discharged with the catheter, which is removed after 4 days.
- Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
- We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
ROBOTIC ADRENALECTOMY FOR ADRENAL GLAND TUMOUR
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Robotic adrenalectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.
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Once the anesthesia is done, and patient positioned, three micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
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The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
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Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
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On an average, a robotic adrenalectomy takes one hour.
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The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
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A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.
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A tiny drain pipe may be inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
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Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.
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The drain pipe, if kept, is removed in the room on day 2 after surgery.
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The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.
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Total hospital stay for robotic adrenalectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).
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Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home. Almost all patients are back to work within 2 weeks of surgery.
Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
Follow up after an adrenalectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.
ROBOTIC SURGERY FOR BLADDER CANCER
- Dr. Ramani is one of the very few surgeons in India who has the expertise to perform a robotic surgery for bladder cancer, which includes removing the urinary bladder and reconstructing a new bladder robotically.
- Robotic radical cystectomy is an extremely sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.
- Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, six micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
- The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
- Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
- On an average, a robotic radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit takes 3-4 hours.
- The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
- A urine catheter and bag to drain the new bladder is inserted during surgery.
- Two tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
- Patient is kept nil-by-mouth for 4 days after surgery with IV supplementation of patient’s daily requirements of calories, fats, carbohydrates, proteins and electrolytes.
- The drain pipes are removed in the room on day 3-5 after surgery.
- Total hospital stay for radical cystectomy is 8 nights (including night before surgery).
- Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
- On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home.
- Almost all patients are back to work within 6 weeks of surgery. Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after two months.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
Follow up after a radical a cystectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
Histopathology report: Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.
Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consult. Depending on the report, patient may or may not need chemotherapy after surgery.
If chemo is needed, patients may choose to get it done with a medical oncologist of their choice or avail the services of one of the four medical oncologists on our team.
ROBOTIC RADICAL/PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY FOR KIDNEY CANCER
- Robotic partial nephrectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications. Robotic radical (total) nephrectomy is
- relatively easier but still requires significant experience to consistently deliver results.
- Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, five micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
- The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
- Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
- On an average, a robotic radical nephrectomy takes one hour and a robotic partial nephrectomy takes about an hour and half.
- The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
- A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.
- A tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
- Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.
- The drain pipe is removed in the room on day 3 after surgery. The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.
- Total hospital stay for radical/partial nephrectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).
- Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
- On the day of discharge, patient is totally self- sufficient.
- They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home.
- Almost all patients are back to work within 2-3 weeks of surgery.
- Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
- Follow up after a radical/partial Nephrectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
- Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.
- Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.