What should you know about laparoscopic surgery for kidney stones?

The surgeon uses a camera and instruments through small abdominal openings to reach the kidney or urinary tract. The stone may be removed or broken into pieces, depending on its size, position, and the anatomy of the urinary system. Imaging helps determine whether this approach is appropriate. A temporary internal stent or urinary catheter may be used to support drainage, and the team will explain how it is removed.

Keyhole surgery is not the only possible route. The choice can include an endoscopic procedure or another stone treatment, based on the stone and your health. Robotic Cancer Surgery is a different treatment category and should not be assumed to treat kidney stones.

Tell the team about medicines, allergies, previous urinary infections, kidney problems, and any blood-thinning treatment. Follow fasting instructions and ask when usual medicines can be restarted. Afterward, drink according to the plan, walk gently, and follow instructions about the stent, catheter, pain relief, and activity. Stone fragments may be analysed to help reduce the chance of future stones.

Contact the treatment team for fever, chills, worsening side or abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine, or blood in the urine that is increasing. Seek urgent help for severe pain with fever, confusion, fainting, or severe breathlessness, as a blocked or infected urinary system needs prompt assessment.

Where is the stone, and why is keyhole surgery recommended? Will a stent or catheter be needed? How will stone fragments be removed and analysed? Which symptoms suggest infection, and when should follow-up imaging or stent removal occur?