Treating Kidney Stones: Open Surgery

Open surgery may be done before, after, or instead of other treatments. If you need surgery, your healthcare provider will discuss its risks and possible complications. You will be told how to prepare. And you will be told about anesthesia that will keep you pain-free during treatment. This is usually done if the stone is very large, if you have a serious infection, or the kidney has blockage even after waiting for a while. 

Open surgery

Open surgery removes very large stones or stones that cannot be removed by other means. For this surgery, your doctor makes an incision in your side. Your kidney or ureter is opened, and the stone is removed. Then your kidney or ureter is sutured closed. The skin incision is also sutured closed. A drain is left near the incision to carry urine away from the wound. In some cases, a temporary plastic tube called a stent is placed inside the ureter during the surgery. The stent helps the tissue heal and allows the urine to drain.

Your recovery

You may spend several days in the hospital. The drain in your incision will be removed before you leave. If you have a stent, it will be removed by your healthcare provider within 1 week to 4 weeks. You’ll need about 4 weeks to 6 weeks of rest at home to recover fully. Follow-up visits will help your healthcare provider spot any new stones early. This may help you avoid future surgeries.